The Athletic Ranks Tennessee Basketball No. 1 in the Nation
Tennessee’s basketball team is off to a hot start.
The Vols have a 2-0 record with wins over Tennessee Tech and Wisconsin.
The Vols’ 80-70 win at Wisconsin on Friday night offered an early resume boost for Tennessee, which also beat highly-ranked Michigan State in East Lansing in a preseason exhibition game.
One big reason for the early success has been Dalton Knecht, a wing transfer from Northern Colorado.
Knecht scored 24 points against Wisconsin and is averaging 20.5 points through the first two games. (He also scored 28 points against Michigan State.)
Knecht’s impact and the Vols’ returning talent caused CJ Moore of The Athletic to rank Tennessee No. 1 in the country after the first week of the season.
“I’m running for president of the Dalton Knecht fan club,” Moore wrote.” He is the All-American no one saw coming. We had Knecht at No. 44 in our transfer portal rankings, so it wasn’t like he was completely off the radar.
“But Knecht was on a losing team and a second-team All-Big Sky selection last year at Northern Colorado. Second team! If we had a do-over on the transfer rankings, I’d have him neck and neck with Hunter Dickinson (of Kansas) for the top spot. (Knecht is) that good.”
Moore, who predicted Knecht will go in the first round of the upcoming NBA Draft, is just the latest national media member to sing the praises of Tennessee (and Knecht).
Last week, ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg picked Tennessee as his national champion.
“They’ve got great depth,” Greenberg said on ESPN. “They’re playing with much greater flow. They’re playing in transition. They have more shot-makers. You know they’re going to defend. I think Tennessee makes a deep run in the NCAA Tournament.”
Long-time college hoops writer Andy Katz also ranked Tennessee No. 1 in his updated power rankings on Monday.
All of this came after Michigan State coach Tom Izzo called Tennessee a Final Four team following the Spartans’ exhibition game against Tennessee.
It’s very early in the college basketball season. Tennessee has a lot more to prove beyond one or two weeks of basketball.
The Vols will have a chance to showcase themselves further next week when they play in a loaded Maui Invitational in Honolulu.
But there’s no denying the hype surrounding Tennessee’s basketball team.
It’s only getting started.
WATCH: Tennessee Postgame Press Conference after 36-7 loss at Missouri
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
After Tennessee took a 7-3 second quarter lead against Missouri on the 46-yard Joe Milton III TD pass to Dont’e Thornton, it was all Tigers. Mizzou outscored the Vols 33-0 in rout to a 36-7 win in Columbia, Missouri.
Tennessee drops to 7-3, 3-3 SEC with No. 2 Georgia coming to Knoxville for a Saturday 3:30pm ET game at Neyland Stadium.
Watch all the UT postgame interviews below.
Listen to SportsTalk with John Wilkerson and me 6-9am Monday as we break this game down and react to it with you. Text us at 865-656-9900.
WATCH: Postgame Reaction – Tennessee 59 UConn 3
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
I broke down Tennessee’s 59-3 homecoming win over the Connecticut Huskies Saturday with an on-field review in the video below.
Vince’s View: Watch Tennessee celebrate 33-27 win at Kentucky
Here’s some on-field video I shot of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrating it’s road win at Kroger Field in Lexington over the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday night 33-27.
WATCH: Postgame Reaction – Tennessee 33 Kentucky 27
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
I broke down Tennessee’s 33-27 road win at the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday night in Lexington from down on the field at Kroger Field in the video below.
WATCH: UT postgame after 34-20 loss at Alabama plus “Vince’s Views” on the key game aspects and observations
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
After an incredibly impressive first half where Tennessee led 20-7 at Alabama, the Tide literally turned in the home team’s favor as Alabama outscored the Vols 27-0 in the second half in route to a 34-20 win.
Here are some of the biggest points that hurt Tennessee and my observations from the game here in my blog “Vince’s View” here on 991TheSportsAnimal.com.
You’ll also see all the Tennessee Football postgame press conferences from Tuscaloosa.
Key Points In The UT Loss
Redzone Woes Continue
Tennessee scored just one touchdown in four redzone trips. Those two first half drives that bogged down with the Vols settling for two FGs felt like it would be costly and it was. I thought UT should have tried to run the ball more in the redzone, but they likely felt UT’s offensive line couldn’t push the Alabama defensive line around in tight quarters. UT’s tempo is nullified in the redzone when they slow down so much. I think they are much slower in the redzone this season when they dial it back than they were a year ago.
In-Game Adjustments
I said it on the pregame, coaching adjustments during the game would be a big part of this game. Plenty of games this season for both teams, especially for Alabama have looked much different from half-to-half and sometimes quarter-to-quarter. Texas A&M had the same problem against Alabama. The Aggies dominated play and the line of scrimmage with sacks and TFLs in the first half, but it couldn’t separate from them enough on the scoreboard while playing so well. Alabama then was much cleaner, especially at the line of scrimmage, in the second half and won the game.
4th Down Risks Costly
I didn’t get Tennessee going for it on 4th & 1 1/2 from their own 47 yard line, up 20-17. Josh Heupel said they thought they would be successful, so they called it. Well sure, every time you call a play you expect it to be successful, but that’s not the reality of football. It’s a risk/reward decision. That stop, when Alabama was already feeling good with the strong start to the half, gave the Tide even more juice and momentum. They immediately easily went down the half-field and scored the go-ahead touchdown, and never looked back. With UT punter Jackson Ross having a record setting day, I like trying to pin Alabama back deep and let your defense go to work to try and get the momentum and the ball back. The first half 4th down call was questionable as well, but that was more of a play-call head scratcher.
2nd Half Opening Possession Quick Strike
How quickly and easily Alabama took the opening possession and zoomed down the field on two plays (29-yd Jace McClellan run and then a 46-yd TD pass from Jalen Milroe to Isaiah Bond) was huge in the game as well. That burst on an often-important possession in games, elevated Alabama’s confidence, put UT on their heels and for the first time in the game, got the crowd to full noise levels. It was downhill from there for the Vols.
Milroe Running and Escaping the Rush
Jalen Milroe ended with just 3 net rushing yards after the sack yardage was removed, but in the second half Bama started using him on designed runs and the Vols didn’t keep contain off the edge allowing him to escape the pocket. On the 15-play drive that ended in a FG to put Alabama up 27-20, Milroe converted two 3rd downs running, including a 3rd and 10.
Penalties
These two teams were both heavily penalized all season. Tennessee went into the game last in the SEC in penalty yards per game. Alabama has had some massive, head-scratching penalty totals in some games. There were missed calls all over the place on both sides. Tennessee was called for 8 penalties for 55 yards, while Alabama was called for 1 penalty for 5 yards. Considering there’s holding and pass interference on so many plays in football, getting called for just one penalty is hard to do. But, let’s not forget, officiating is often bad across the board in many games not involving Tennessee. The discerning signal call on Elijah Herring of Tennessee has been called in other games and is being emphasized this season, so they didn’t just make that up. Fair to argue the rule though. The refs clearly missed a personal foul penalty on Herring punching Alabama RB Roydell Williams after a play. There difference in penalty calls was still big and one that Josh Heupel was not happy about. He was asked if the officiating was one-sided against them. He had 15 seconds of silence and then said “Next question. Is that long enough silence?”
We’ll speak to former, longtime SEC on-field and replay official Gerald Hodges Tuesday on SportsTalk on 99.1 The Sports Animal for his weekly two segments, “The Officiating Half Hour.” Send us your questions to our text line at 865-656-9900 for Gerald, specify for “SportsTalk” and we’ll asked Gerald your question.
Line Of Scrimmage
Tennessee’s offensive line was sharp and excellent in the first half, especially when UT was on-tempo. The second half broke down on both sides of the ball. Neither line of scrimmage was physical enough in that second half. Elijah Herring said they let go of that rope and thought they had the game won. That’s hard to understand considering how inconsistent the team has been on offense and who they were playing. Losing Gerald Mincey at RT hurt, but the issues were spread out. UT’s pressure on Milroe slowed and they couldn’t get him to the ground. DC Tim Banks even dialed-up some blitzes in the second half that didn’t get home like they did in the first half.
Running Back Run-Game Not Up To Standards
We all asked for Joe Milton’s involvement in the run game, but he shouldn’t be your leading rusher with 59 net yards. Tennessee’s top three running backs came into the game averaging 210 yards per game. The trio only mustered up 74 yards combined in the game. The pass game picked-up and the run game fell back. We still haven’t seen this offense put together a complete game.
No Easy Scores Anymore
How many times did the Vols offense score easy touchdowns last season? All the time. It seems like such a grind for this offense, even when they have success. Reminds you of some UT Basketball offensive possessions. You get some results and wins, but it often takes something last minute or spectacular to get the job done. Even the long house-call runs are lacking this season.
Some Vols Top Performers
WR Squirrel White
He had a spectacular 39-yard TD reception at the front pylon in the first quarter. He caught the backend of the ball, controlled it, got a foot down and maintained control to the ground. He’s had UT’s two most spectacular receptions this season. He notched his fourth career 100-plus yard receiving game (second this season), finishing with a career-high 10 receptions for 111 yards and one touchdown. He was the go-to receiver for Joe Milton all game, but especially on the opening drive, where he had four catches for 58 yards and that TD.
QB Joe Milton III
I thought he played an excellent game. I don’t pin this loss on him. He has to be more aware in the pocket that you can’t hold on to the football standing still so long and not expect backside rush. That strip-sack-fumble-scoop-and-score realistically put the game out of reach. He made some big-time throws though including some down the field and in the middle of the field. He had a career-high 28 completions on 41 pass attempts, which was also a UT career high. His 271 passing yards was also a UT career high. I thought his involvement in the run-game was long overdue. He had 15 carries for 59 yards with at least 2/3 of those designed or read-option runs with conviction. He moved the chains numerous times when under pressure and getting out of the pocket.
P Jackson Ross
How good was the Aussie in this game? He set the Tennessee single-game record for punting average (min. 5 punts), with five punts for 266 yards for an average of 53.2 yards per punt. He even had a 71-yarder. Yes, he was helped by Kool Aid McKinstry letting the punts drop and roll, put that’s part of the beauty of the rugby kick is that it’s not easy to pick-up. It’s also underrated how he’s able to run forward when there’s light or no pressure and kick on the run, picking up additional yards. He’s weapon Josh Heupel should have leaned on rather than the 4th down try in the 3rd quarter.
John Wilkerson and I host SportsTalk, weekdays 6-9am, on 99.1 The Sports Animal in Knoxville, streaming at 991TheSportsAnimal.com, on The Sports Animal app or on your smart speakers. Listen for much more on Tennessee Football on a daily basis.
Vince’s View: 3 prescriptions to Vols success rest of the season, Heath Shuler’s keys vs. Texas A&M
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
What are some keys to Tennessee’s success the rest of the regular season coming out of the open week with the team at 4-1, 1-1 in SEC?
On The Sports Source on WATE-TV, John Pennington asked us for three prescriptions to Vols success for the remainder of the season.
Take a look at that segment for my answers, as well as those of Ryan Callahan of GoVols247, Will West of Tyler and Will and host John Pennington. as well as the reaction from Bob Hodge.
On SportsTalk with John and Vince Monday (weekdays 6-9am) we asked listeners to send us the three players you think are most important to Tennessee’s success the rest of the season. Here’s the order of most responses of different players mentioned through our text line, 865-656-9900, and social media.
- OL Cooper Mays
- LB Aaron Beasley
- QB Joe Milton
- OLB/DE James Pearce Jr.
- WR Ramel Keyton
- WR Squirrel White
- RB Dylan Sampson
- DT Omari Thomas
- RS Dee Williams
- TE Jacob Warren
I was joined this morning by VFL Heath Shuler for his weekly Monday Morning Quarterback segment presented by East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. We talked about the open week for UT, Xs and Os with Tennessee’s offense, Josh Heupel play-calling, keys to a win over Texas A&M Saturday and much more.
Here’s what you can expect the rest of the week on SportsTalk, weekdays 6-9am Eastern on 99.1 The Sports Animal, 991TheSportsAnimal.com, the WNML app and your smart speakers:
Daily
6:03/7:03/8:08am The Walk Through (Wallace Real Estate)
Time TBD – UT Football Practice Report (American Outdoor Equipment)
7:55am This Date in TN Football History (Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union)
8:03am Step To The Plate At 8 (Trivia with $25 Dick’s House of Sport Knoxville gift card)
Time TBD – Comments from UT football coaches and players
Tuesday
7:18 to 7:48am The Officiating Half Hour with Gerald Hodges (AG Heins)
8:18 to 8:48am Brent Hubbs – Volquest (Diversified Enclosures & Screen)
Wednesday
8:20am Mike Keith
8:35am VFL Matt Simms
Time TBD – UT Football Opponent Preview (1 or 2 interviews)
Thursday
7:35am VFL Steve Hamer (AG Heins)
8:20am Tony Vitello
8:35am John McClain
Friday
6:20am Football Weekend Package
8:35am Six Pack of Picks
Thanks for listening to SportsTalk and reading my blog, “Vince’s Views,” on 991TheSportsAnimal.com.
I’ll have the Vol Network pregame player interview before Tennessee hosts Texas A&M on Saturday. You can hear John Wilkerson and me co-host SEC Notebook as part of Image Matters Game Day All Day this Saturday from 11am to 12:30pm. Plus, I’ll have the play-by-play call of our prep football KOC Game of the Week Friday night at 7 as Bearden is at Oak Ridge. VFL Todd Kelly Jr. will be my color analyst this week on AM 990 and the Sports Animal App Stream 2.
Dee Williams’ Chance to Help Tennessee’s Offense
Have you watched a Tennessee game over the past two seasons and at some point said, “Why don’t they put Dee Williams on offense?”
If so, Josh Heupel might be ready to use your entry in the suggestion box.
Austin Price of Volquest told us this week he expects Williams, who has practiced in the secondary, to get a look on offense.
Swain’s ears popped up when Austin mentioned the idea.
“It just makes sense,” Swain said of Williams playing offense.
It’s not as easy as telling Williams to go line up in the slot, catch the ball, and run.
For one, catching the ball on offense is different than fielding a kick or punt.
Also, Tennessee’s offense runs on tempo.
Williams has to prepare to run several plays in a row.
He could sub in and out, of course, but that’s not Tennessee’s style.
But there’s no denying this: Williams is electric with the ball.
Imagine him on the field with Dylan Sampson and/or Squirrel White.
How do you think an opposing defensive coordinator would like that?
Tennessee’s offense has a good amount of playmakers.
The Vols’ offense also needs to find new ways to hit big plays.
Could Williams help in that area?
We might soon find out.
This blog originated in the weekly Josh and Swain Newsletter. Click Here to subscribe for FREE.
Check out the Josh and Swain podcast wherever you listen to podcasts. Including:
Apple: http://apple.co/3On3KbH
Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3QShehy
Vince’s View: Analyzing key aspects of Vols win over South Carolina; Week on SportsTalk & podcasts
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
The Tennessee Volunteers blacked-out the South Carolina Gamecocks Saturday night in Knoxville, 41-20. The Vols are now 4-1, 1-1 in SEC play entering UT’s open week.
On SportsTalk Monday, and throughout the week, co-host John Wilkerson and I will discuss and analyze what happened in the game, including these key aspects of the game:
-UT was clearly the better team
-The defense won this game
-Aspects of the defense that were improved and why
-Return of starting center Cooper Mays, who made his season debut
-Other changes/improvements on the offensive line
-Joe Milton’s positives
-Joe Milton’s INTs
-Different play calls
-Great tempo again
-Squirrel White’s perfect, physical, breakout performance
-Devastating and gruesome Bru McCoy injury
-How do you try to fill McCoy’s void
-Crowd was a factor
-Run-game effective again
-First down dominance on offense continued
-Third down defense
-Line of scrimmage dominance
-Freshmen standouts
-James Pearce Jr. is a developing star pass rusher
-Rattler was uncomfortable and worst game since pre-upset of the Vols in 2022
-Rattler on Vols “Super Bowl”
-Beamer’s thoughts on Tennessee
-Josh Heupel postgame comments
-Joe Milton, Jaylen Wright, Squirrel White, James Pearce Jr. and Elijah Herring in postgame
-To-Do List in the open week
-Where the Vols stand in the conversation for the East title
-The extra point injuries continue
-One thing Tennessee did that reminded me of last year (and I’m not talking about the tempo)
-Listener reaction and interaction at 865-656-9900 (text or call)
-Much more
Here’s what you can expect this week on SportsTalk, weekdays 6-9am Eastern on 99.1 The Sports Animal, 991TheSportsAnimal.com, the WNML app and your smart speakers:
Daily
6:03/7:03/8:08am The Walk Through (Wallace Real Estate)
Time TBD – UT Football Practice Report (American Outdoor Equipment)
7:55am This Date in TN Football History (Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union)
8:03am Step To The Plate At 8 (Trivia with great prizes)
Monday
8:35am Monday Morning Quarterback w/VFL Heath Shuler
Tuesday
7:18 to 7:48am The Officiating Half Hour with Gerald Hodges (AG Heins)
8:18 to 8:48am Brent Hubbs – Volquest (Diversified Enclosures & Screen)
Wednesday
Time TBD – The Journey
8:20am Mike Keith
8:35am Danny White
Thursday
7:35am VFL Steve Hamer (AG Heins)
8:20am Tony Vitello
8:35am John McClain
Friday
6:20am Football Weekend Package
8:35am Six Pack of Picks
John Wilkerson and I call high school football on Friday nights and producer Sam Forman is the studio host with updates, scores and postgame interviews on 99.1 The Sports Animal. Here is the commercial-free podcast of the game I called with Jay Graham on the KOC Game of the Week and John’s call with Rob Demastus of Catholic football, plus postgame interviews for you to listen to.
WATCH: Postgame Reaction – Tennessee 41 Carolina 20
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
Josh Ward and myself, Vince Ferrara, broke down Tennessee’s 41-20 win over South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville Saturday night.
Vince’s View: Analyzing key aspects of Vols win over UTSA; Week on SportsTalk & podcasts
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
The Tennessee Volunteers bounced back in impressive fashion with a fast start in route to a 45-14 win over the UTSA Roadrunners. The Vols are now 3-1, 0-1 in SEC play entering next Saturday’s home tilt with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
On SportsTalk Monday, and throughout the week, co-host John Wilkerson and I will discuss and analyze what happened in the game, including these key aspects of the game:
-Looked like Tennessee football again
-Why the fast start
-QB Joe Milton with QB runs we’ve all been waiting for
-Milton with the longest TD run for a QB in Tennessee football history (81 yards on the 1st play)
-A breakdown of why that first play worked
-Milton missing deep throws
-Milton’s leadership on display
-Dylan Sampson showed why he should have been playing
-Tackling improvement
-Offensive and defensive lulls
-Improved offensive line play
-Still no Cooper Mays
-Numbers on how much the tempo on offense was improved
-Numbers on run-game success vs various defensive box counts
-Numbers on 1st down dominance
-Redzone effectiveness
-Penalties
-Officiating per usual
-Tennessee’s best player
-Finally getting to play more reserves
-Limited appearance by Nico
-Which players impressed most
-Areas of concern heading into the South Carolina game this week
-Josh Heupel postgame comments
-Player postgame comments from Milton, Thomas, Sampson, Webb & E. Herring
-Moving forward after the win: Fell much better? Feel a little better? Feel about the same?
-Listener reaction and interaction at 865-656-9900 (text or call)
Here’s what you can expect this week on SportsTalk, weekdays 6-9am Eastern on 99.1 The Sports Animal, 991TheSportsAnimal.com, the WNML app and your smart speakers:
Daily
6:03/7:03/8:08am The Walk Through (Wallace Real Estate)
Time TBD – UT Football Practice Report (American Outdoor Equipment)
7:55am This Date in TN Football History (Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union)
8:03am Step To The Plate At 8 (Trivia with great prizes)
Monday
8:35am Monday Morning Quarterback w/VFL Heath Shuler
Tuesday
7:18 to 7:48am The Officiating Half Hour with Gerald Hodges (AG Heins)
8:18 to 8:48am Brent Hubbs – Volquest (Diversified Enclosures & Screen)
Wednesday
Time TBD – The Journey
7:25am Shane Beamer – South Carolina HC for our UT Opponent Preview
8:20am Mike Keith
8:35am VFL Matt Simms
Thursday
7:35am VFL Steve Hamer (AG Heins)
8:20am Tony Vitello
8:35am John McClain
Friday
6:20am Football Weekend Package
7:35am UT Football Game Preview
8:35am Six Pack of Picks
John Wilkerson and I call high school football on Friday nights and producer Sam Forman is the studio host with updates, scores and postgame interviews on 99.1 The Sports Animal. Here is the commercial-free podcast of the game I called with Catholic having an open week and interviews for you to listen to.
WATCH: Postgame Analysis – Tennessee 45-14 win over UTSA
Josh Ward and I analyzed Tennessee’s 45-14 win over UTSA Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville down on the field.
Follow me on all social media and YouTube with the same handle @VinceSports.
What it Really Means to Wear the T
Most of the conversation this week centered on Tennessee’s loss at Florida and how the Vols can get back on track.
Thursday’s Josh and Swain went in a different direction during the first segment in our third hour.
A listener stopped by while we were at SmartBank in Alcoa.
She asked if we could mention her papaw, a long-time Tennessee fan and listener of The Sports Animal.
We were happy to do it, which led to a longer discussion about the connection between Tennessee football and its fanbase.
Jayson Swain provided a great perspective on his experience as a player at UT and what he’s learned about the importance of Tennessee football since his playing career ended.
“I get a chance to experience and hear all these stories and how much Tennessee means to fans,” Swain said. “It’s really powerful.”
Check out the full segment below. I think you’ll enjoy it.
Vince’s View: Analyzing key aspects of Vols 29-16 loss at Gators; week on SportsTalk & podcasts
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports (on X/Facebook/IG/YouTube)
Despite the history of the prior nine meetings in Gainesville, spanning twenty years, it was a surprising Saturday night for the Tennessee Volunteers in losing at the Florida Gators 29-16.
On SportsTalk Monday and throughout the week, co-host John Wilkerson and I will discuss and analyze what happened in the game, including these key aspects of the game:
-Missed tackles
-Missing Keenan Pili
-Line of scrimmage
-No Cooper Mays
-3rd quarter chances
-All aspects of Joe Milton’s play
-Secondary questions remain
-Coaching on both sides
-Officiating (at least 6 key calls went against UT)
-Penalties
-Composure/poise
-1st half steamroll by UF after UT’s great 1st possession
-Crowd impact
-Pass rush
-Graham Mertz’s play
-Run-game advantage for UF
-Time of possession finally matters
-Play of the wide receivers
-UT’s return game nullified
-Vols postgame comments (Heupel/Milton/McCoy)
-What this game means for Tennessee moving forward
-Listener reaction and interaction at 865-656-9900 (text or call)
Here’s what you can expect this week on SportsTalk, weekdays 6-9am Eastern on 99.1 The Sports Animal, 991TheSportsAnimal.com, the WNML app and your smart speakers:
Daily
6:03/7:03/8:08am The Walk Through (Wallace Real Estate)
Time TBD – UT Football Practice Report (American Outdoor Equipment)
7:55am This Date in TN Football History (Knoxville TVA Employees Credit Union)
8:03am Step To The Plate At 8 (Trivia with great prizes)
Monday
8:35am Monday Morning Quarterback w/VFL Heath Shuler
Tuesday
7:18 to 7:48am The Officiating Half Hour with Gerald Hodges (AG Heins)
8:18 to 8:48am Brent Hubbs – Volquest (Diversified Enclosures & Screen)
Wednesday
Time TBD – UT Opponent Preview with guest TBA
Time TBD – The Journey
8:20am Mike Keith
8:35am VFL Matt Simms
Thursday
7:35am VFL Steve Hamer (AG Heins)
8:20am Tony Vitello
8:35am John McClain
Friday
6:20am Football Weekend Package
7:35am UT Football Game Preview
8:35am Six Pack of Picks
John Wilkerson and I call high school football on Friday nights and SportsTalk producer Sam Forman is the studio host for our prep football coverage with updates, scores and postgame interviews.
This past Friday night on 99.1 The Sports Animal, John and Rob Demastus had the call of Catholic vs. Briarcrest Christian. VFL Jay Graham and I called the KOC Game of the Week, West at Central. Here are the commercial-free podcasts of our games and interviews for you to listen to.
WATCH: On-Field Wrap-Up – Tennessee 30 Austin Peay 13
Here’s a recap, from Neyland Stadium, of Tennessee 30-13 win over Austin Peay in Knoxville from hosts Josh Ward (Josh & Swain) and Vince Ferrara (SportsTalk.)
30 VFLs in NFL, 21 on active rosters as season starts; Full list plus ex-Vols, Knoxville-area players & VFL coaches
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
Here’s an updated list of University of Tennessee players on NFL rosters entering the start of the 2023 season.
You’ll also see a list of players that were once at UT as well as other Knoxville area players that played at other schools. Plus, I’ve included coaches throughout the league that either played or coached at the University of Tennessee or are from the Knoxville area.
I’ve included depth chart listings from either the team’s “unofficial” depth chart or Ourlads’ reported depth charts that are very accurate.
That’s all below now, and will be updated often, here on my blog “Vince’s View.”
Recent Transactions (since 9/1/23)
Jerome Carvin released by Chiefs from the injured list
Marquez Callaway signed by the Raiders to the practice squad
Nathan Peterman resigned by Bears
Notes
*30 VFLs in the NFL
*21 VFLs are on 53-player rosters
*7 VFLs are on practice squads
*1 VFL is on IR
*1 VFL is suspended
*6 VFL rookies total (4 on active rosters)
*20 of 32 teams have a VFL on their rosters
*9 VFLs in the AFC
*21 VFLs in the NFC
*8 VFLs are listed as starters on their depth charts
*Lions have the most VFLs with 4
*Lions have the most VFLs on 53-player rosters with 3
*7 ex-Vols that finished college at others schools currently with NFL teams
*7 Knoxville-area players that did not attend UT currently with NFL teams
*17 coaches with ties to the Vols or the Knoxville Area (17)
*7 of those 17 coaches in the league were players at Tennessee
Tennessee Volunteers In The NFL as of 9/7/23 (30)
x = rookie / bold – active roster
AFC East (2)
DT – Kendal Vickers (93) Buffalo Bills (practice squad)
LB – AJ Johnson (59) Miami Dolphins (practice squad)
NONE – New England Patriots, New York Jets
AFC North (1)
WR – Cedric Tillman (89) Cleveland Browns (2nd team SWR)-x
NONE – Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South (1)
LS – Morgan Cox (46) Tennessee Titans (LS)
NONE – Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars
AFC West (5)
FB – Jakob Johnson (45) Las Vegas Raiders (FB)
DL – Matthew Butler (73) Las Vegas Raiders (practice squad)
WR – Marquez Callaway (11) Las Vegas Raiders (practice squad)
OL – Trey Smith (65) Kansas City Chiefs (starting RG)
WR – Joshua Palmer (5) Los Angeles Chargers (2nd team RWR)
NONE – Denver Broncos
NFC East (3)
WR – Jalin Hyatt (84) New York Giants (2nd team LWR)-x
DE – Derek Barnett (96) Philadelphia Eagles (2nd team RDE)
TE – Princeton Fant (48) Dallas Cowboys (practice squad)-x
NONE – Washington Commanders
NFC North (7)
DB – Cameron Sutton (1) Detroit Lions (starting RCB)
CB – Emmanuel Moseley (4) Detroit Lions (starting LCB)
LB – Jalen Reeves-Maybin (42) Detroit Lions (3rd team WLB)
QB – Hendon Hooker (12) Detroit Lions (injured list)-x
OL – Darnell Wright (58) Chicago Bears (starting RT)-x
WR – Velus Jones Jr. (12) Chicago Bears (2nd team LWR/starting PR/starting KR/PR)
DB – Theo Jackson (25) Minnesota Vikings (3rd team FS)
NONE – Green Bay Packers
NFC South (7)
CB – Alontae Taylor (1) New Orleans Saints (2nd team RCB)
RB – Alvin Kamara (41) New Orleans Saints (suspended list)
DL – Kyle Phillips (91) New Orleans Saints (practice squad)
DT – Shy Tuttle (99) Carolina Panthers (starting DE)
OL – Cade Mays (66) Carolina Panthers (2nd team RG)
WR – Cordarrelle Patterson (84) Atlanta Falcons (3rd team RB/starting KR)
DB – Micah Abernathy (29) Atlanta Falcons (practice squad)
NONE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West (4)
QB – Joshua Dobbs (9) Arizona Cardinals (starting QB)
LB – Byron Young (0) Los Angeles Rams (starting OLB)-x
DE – Darrell Taylor (52) Seattle Seahawks (2nd team OLB)
WR – Jauan Jennings (15) San Francisco 49ers (2nd team SWR)
One-Time Vols That Transferred To Other Schools On NFL Rosters (7)
QB – Nathan Peterman (14) Chicago Bears (U. of Tennessee/Pitt) (3rd team QB)
WR – Brandon Johnson (89) Denver Broncos (U. of Tennessee/UCF) (2nd team RWR)
LB – Henry To’o to’o (39) Houston Texans (U. of Tennessee/Alabama) (2nd team MLB)-x
OL – Wanya Morris (64) Kansas City Chiefs (U. of Tennessee/Oklahoma) (2nd team LT)-x
P – Tommy Townsend (5) Kansas City Chiefs (U. of Tennessee/Florida) (P/H)
RB – Ty Chandler (32) Minnesota Vikings (U. of Tennessee/North Carolina) (2nd team RB)
RB – Eric Gray (20) New York Giants (U. of Tennessee/Oklahoma) (4th team RB)-x
Active Knoxville Area Players That Didn’t Play At UT on NFL Rosters (7)
WR – Tee Higgins (5) Cincinnati Bengals (Oak Ridge HS/Clemson) (starting RWR)
LB – Devin Harper (50) Dallas Cowboys (Karns HS/Oklahoma St.) (4th team MLB)
TE – Nate Adkins (45) Denver Broncos (Bearden HS/ETSU/South Carolina) (4th team TE)
QB – Trevor Lawrence (16) Jacksonville Jaguars (Born in Knoxville, did not go to HS locally/Clemson) (starting QB)
S – Harrison Smith (22) Minnesota Vikings (Catholic HS/Notre Dame) (starting SS)
OG – Cole Strange (69) New England Patriots (Farragut HS/Chattanooga) (starting LG)
WR – Randall Cobb (18) New York Jets (Alcoa HS/Kentucky) (3rd team Slot WR)
Coaches With Ties to the Vols or the Knoxville Area (17)
VFLs (7)
Tee Martin (QB) Ravens – VFL/Vols Player 1996-1999
Chuck Smith (OLB) Ravens – VFL/Vols Player 1990-1991
Jeron Mayo (LB Coach) Patriots – VFL/Vols Player 2005-2007
Jim Bob Cooter (OC) Colts – VFL/Vols player QB 2002-2005 & Vols GA 2007-2008
Bo Hardegree (QB Coach) Raiders – VFL/Vols player QB 2004-2007
Kacy Rodgers (Run Game Coordinator/DL Coach) Buccaneers – VFL/Vols Player LB/DE 1988-1991
Luke Stocker (Offensive Assistant) Titans – VFL/Vols Player 2007-2010
Ex-UT Coaches/Grad Assistants (9)
Brandon Staley (HC) Chargers – Vols GA 2012
Derrick Ansley (DC) Chargers – Former Vols assistant (DB) 2012
Jason Michael (TE Coach) Eagles – Vols GA 2003-2004 & Vols assistant (TE) 2008
Tracy Rocker (Asst DL Coach) Eagles – Vols assistant (DL) 2017-2019
Dom Capers (Sr. Def. Asst) Panthers – Vols assistant (DB) 1980-1981
Derius Swinton (Asst ST Coach) Raiders – Vols GA 2007-2008
Chris Rumph (DL Coach) Vikings – Vols assistant (Co-DC/DL) 2018-2019
Kodi Burns (WR Coach) Saints – Vols assistant (WR) 2021
Zach Azzanni (WR Coach) Jets – Vols assistant (Pass Game Coord/WR) 2013-2016
From Knoxville Area/No UT Background (1)
Mike Caldwell (DC) Jaguars – From Oak Ridge, TN
Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net
WATCH: On-Field Wrap-Up – Tennessee 49 Virginia 13
Here’s a recap from Nissan Stadium of Tennessee 49-13 win over Virginia in Nissan Stadium in Nashville in the 2023 season opener by SportsTalk co-host Vince Ferrara.
WATCH: NFL Network Reporter Steve Wyche talks 2020 season
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
I had a chance recently to visit with terrific NFL Network Reporter Steve Wyche @Wyche89 to discuss the 2020 season. This interview aired on SportsTalk with John and Jimmy on 99.1 The Sports Animal a few weeks back.
Even though a few of the items (like the Alvin Kamara contract) have played out since our conversation, I thought the interview was too good and fun to not share via video as well.
Steve and Jim Trotter co-host the recently debuted Huddle and Flow podcast that you should check out as well.
Look for plenty more video interviews, predictions and analysis from me throughout the football season on my blog page.
SEC players make up 20% of NFL season opening rosters, all the numbers
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
As so many of us are excited about the start of the 2019 NFL season, I decided to take a deep dive into the SEC players that are active and inactive in the NFL as the season approaches and the rosters are down to 53.
These numbers are based on publicly released NFL rosters and daily transitions via NFL Communications. These numbers are through today, Thursday, September 5th and will change often daily.
At the moment, there are 340 players from SEC schools among the 1,696 on 53-player roster spots in the NFL. That’s 20% of the players in the league played in the Southeastern Conference. There are an additional 83 players with NFL teams that are inactive beyond the current 53-player rosters.
SEC Players In NFL By School On 53-player rosters (340)
1. Alabama 56
2. LSU 35
2. Florida 35
4. Georgia 30
5. Texas A&M 27
6. Auburn 26
7. Tennessee 24
8. South Carolina 23
9. Mississippi St 20
9. Ole Miss 20
11. Arkansas 12
12. Missouri 11
12. Kentucky 11
14. Vanderbilt 10
SEC Players Inactive In NFL (83)
LSU 11
Tennessee 10
Florida 7
Mississippi St 7
Missouri 7
Alabama 6
Arkansas 6
Auburn 5
Texas A&M 5
Georgia 5
Vanderbilt 4
Ole Miss 4
Kentucky 4
South Carolina 2
SEC Players By NFL Team (53-roster only/does not count inactives)
Jacksonville (17)
Chicago (15)
Washington (15)
New England (14)
Carolina (14)
Tampa Bay (14)
Houston (13)
Cleveland (13)
NY Giants (13)
Pittsburgh (13)
Cincinnati (12)
Miami (12)
Green Bay (11)
Baltimore (11)
Detroit (11)
Kansas City (11)
New Orleans (10)
Buffalo (10)
Atlanta (10)
Arizona (10)
LA Chargers (9)
NY Jets (9)
Oakland (9)
Seattle (9)
Tennessee (8)
Indianapolis (8)
Philadelphia (7)
San Francisco (7)
Denver (7)
Minnesota (6)
LA Rams (6)
Dallas (6)
Most Players From SEC Schools On One NFL Team (Active)
Baltimore – 6 (Alabama)
Washington – 6 (Alabama)
Washington – 4 (Florida)
Pittsburgh – 4 (Tennessee)
Green Bay – 4 (Miss State)
Chicago – 4 (Georgia)
Cincinnati – 4 (Georgia)
Most SEC Inactive Players
New England – 7
Fewest SEC Inactive Players
Baltimore – 0
Pittsburgh – 0
Most SEC Schools On One Roster
Jacksonville – 10
Houston – 10
Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net
Vince Ferrara Blog
After Tennessee took a 7-3 second quarter lead against Missouri on the 46-yard Joe Milton III TD pass to Dont’e Thornton, it was all Tigers. Mizzou outscored the Vols 33-0 in rout to a 36-7 win in Columbia, Missouri.… MORE
I broke down Tennessee’s 59-3 homecoming win over the Connecticut Huskies Saturday with an on-field review in the video below.… MORE
Here’s some on-field video I shot of the Tennessee Volunteers celebrating it’s road win at Kroger Field in Lexington over the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday night 33-27.… MORE
I broke down Tennessee’s 33-27 road win at the Kentucky Wildcats Saturday night in Lexington from down on the field at Kroger Field in the video below.… MORE
After an incredibly impressive first half where Tennessee led 20-7 at Alabama, the Tide literally turned in the home team’s favor as Alabama outscored the Vols 27-0 in the second half in route to a 34-20 win… MORE
What are some keys to Tennessee’s success the rest of the regular season coming out of the open week with the team at 4-1, 1-1 in SEC?… MORE
The Tennessee Volunteers blacked out the South Carolina Gamecocks Saturday night in Knoxville, 41-20. The Vols are now 4-1, 1-1 in SEC play entering UT’s open week.… MORE
Josh Ward and myself, Vince Ferrara, broke down Tennessee’s 41-20 win over South Carolina at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville Saturday night.… MORE
The Tennessee Volunteers bounced back in impressive fashion with a fast start in route to a 45-14 win over the UTSA Roadrunners. The Vols are now 3-1, 0-1 in SEC play entering next Saturday’s home tilt with the South Carolina Gamecocks.… MORE
Josh Ward and I analyzed Tennessee’s 45-14 win over UTSA Saturday at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville down on the field.… MORE
Despite the history of the prior nine meetings in Gainesville, spanning twenty years, it was a surprising Saturday night for the Tennessee Volunteers in losing at the Florida Gators 29-16.… MORE
Here’s a recap, from Neyland Stadium, of Tennessee 30-13 win over Austin Peay in Knoxville from hosts Josh Ward (Josh & Swain) and Vince Ferrara (SportsTalk.)… MORE
Here’s an updated list of University of Tennessee players on NFL rosters entering the start of the 2023 season.… MORE
Here’s a recap from Nissan Stadium of Tennessee 49-13 win over Virginia in Nissan Stadium in Nashville in the 2023 season opener by SportsTalk co-host Vince Ferrara.… MORE
We talked the NFL’s handling of covid-19, Kamara, Fournette, the NFC West & Titans… MORE
See where UT ranks among SEC teams in the NFL & Vols have plenty of inactives… MORE
Josh Ward Blog
Dalton Knecht and Tennessee basketball are getting some major pub.… MORE
