Tennessee Football Announces 2020 Schedule

Tennessee Football Announces 2020 Schedule

Posted on March 27, 2020
Credit: UT Athletics

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee football released its complete 2020 schedule on Wednesday with marquee matchups against Southeastern Conference rivals Florida and Alabama highlighting the seven-game home slate.

The Volunteers will also travel to Norman, Okla., for an early-season non-conference showdown with the Oklahoma Sooners on Sept. 12.

The SEC released complete schedules for all 14 conference schools on Wednesday.

Tennessee opens the season at home on Sept. 5 against Charlotte before its trip to Oklahoma. Following its tilt with the Sooners, UT will welcome Furman to Neyland Stadium on Sept. 19 before opening SEC play against Florida in Knoxville on Sept. 26.

The Big Orange concludes its three-game homestand on Oct. 3 when Missouri visits Neyland Stadium.

The Vols hit the road to take on South Carolina on Oct. 10 before returning home to play rival Alabama on Oct. 24. Tennessee will have an extra week to prepare for the Crimson Tide with a bye slated between the two contests.

UT goes back on the road to take on SEC western division foe Arkansas on Oct. 31, which will be the program’s first trip to Fayetteville since 2011.

The Vols’ November slate consists of three SEC eastern division opponents in Kentucky, Georgia and Vanderbilt. Tennessee hosts the Wildcats on Nov. 7 before a quick trip down to Athens to play the Bulldogs on Nov. 14.

The Orange and White step of out conference play to host Troy on Nov. 21 before wrapping up the regular season with a trip to Nashville for a showdown against in-state rival Vanderbilt on Nov. 28.

The SEC Championship Game will be played on Dec. 5 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.

Fans interested in tickets for the 2020 season can call 865-656-1200 for more information.

A Closer Look at the 2020 Schedule 

Sept. 5 | Charlotte | Knoxville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Tennessee leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: 2018 (Tennessee 14, Charlotte 3)

The Vols and 49ers have met just once, a 14-3 Tennessee win in Knoxville in 2018 … UT has won 24 of its past 25 home openers and 22 straight season openers played in the state of Tennessee.

Sept. 12 | at Oklahoma | Norman, Okla.
All-Time Series Record: Oklahoma leads, 3-1
Last Meeting: 2015 (Oklahoma 31, Tennessee 24; 2 OT)

Tennessee will make its second trip to Norman in program history looking to end a three-game skid against Oklahoma … The Vols lone win in the series was a 17-0 shutout against the fourth-ranked Sooners in the 1939 Orange Bowl, which helped Tennessee win the 1938 National Championship – its first in program history … Oklahoma’s return trip to Neyland Stadium as part of the home-and-home series is scheduled for 2024. 

Sept. 19 | Furman | Knoxville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Tennessee leads, 2-0
Last Meeting: 1942 (Tennessee 52, Furman 7)

Tennessee posted back-to-back victories over the Paladins in Knoxville back in 1941 and 1942 by a combined 71 points.

Sept. 26 | Florida | Knoxville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Florida leads, 28-20 (as of Aug. 7, 2019)
Last Meeting: 2018 (Florida 47, Tennessee 21)

UT will look to earn its second win over Florida in the past three meetings between the two programs in Knoxville.

Oct. 3 | Missouri | Knoxville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Missouri leads, 5-2 (as of Aug. 7, 2019)
Last Meeting: 2018 (Missouri 50, Tennessee 17)

The Vols and Tigers’ 2020 matchup will be the first not played in the month of November in the history of the series. 

Oct. 10 | at South Carolina | Columbia, S.C.
All-Time Series Record: Tennessee leads, 25-10-2 (as of Aug. 7, 2019)
Last Meeting: 2018 (South Carolina 27, Tennessee 24)

Tennessee’s last four contests played in Columbia have all been decided by exactly three points … The Vols and Gamecocks’ 2020 matchup is the earliest in the season that the two programs have met since 2003.

Oct. 24 | Alabama | Knoxville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Alabama leads, 56-38-7 (as of Aug. 7, 2019)
Last Meeting: 2018 (Alabama 58, Tennessee 21)

Tennessee will be looking for its first win against Alabama in Knoxville since 2006 when the No. 7 Vols rallied with 10 fourth-quarter points to stave off the upset-minded Tide and come away with a 16-13 victory. 

Oct. 31 | at Arkansas | Fayetteville, Ark.
All-Time Series Record: Tennessee leads, 13-5
Last Meeting: 2015 (Arkansas 24, Tennessee 20)

UT will make its first trip to Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium since 2011, looking to end a two-game losing streak to the Razorbacks and earn its first win in Fayetteville since a 13-3 win in 2001.

Nov. 7 | Kentucky | Knoxville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Tennessee leads, 80-25-9 (as of Aug. 7, 2019)
Last Meeting: 2018 (Tennessee 24, Kentucky 7)

The Big Orange have dominated the series at home, winning 17 consecutive games against the Wildcats in Knoxville dating back to 1984, including a 24-7 upset of No. 11 Kentucky in Jeremy Pruitt‘s first season as head coach.

Nov. 14 | at Georgia | Athens, Ga.
All-Time Series Record: Series tied, 23-23-2 (as of Aug. 7, 2019)
Last Meeting: 2018 (Georgia 38, Tennessee 12)

Tennessee and Georgia will meet in the month of November for the first time since 1969 when Doug Dickey led the third-ranked Vols to a 17-3 win over the 11th-ranked Bulldogs on the road in his final season as head coach … The 2020 meeting marks the just the second meeting between the two schools in the month of November since 1925.

Nov. 21 | Troy | Knoxville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Tennessee leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: 2012 (Tennessee 55, Troy 48)

In the only previous meeting between the Vols and Trojans, Tennessee set a single-game program record with 718 yards of total offense.  

Nov. 28 | at Vanderbilt | Nashville, Tenn.
All-Time Series Record: Tennessee leads, 75-32-5 (as of Aug. 7, 2019)
Last Meeting: 2018 (Vanderbilt 38, Tennessee 13)

Tennessee has been playing Vanderbilt longer than any other opponent with the first matchup coming on Oct. 21, 1892 … The 2020 game will be the 114th meeting in the series.

-UT Athletics

Joe Diffie Releases Statement After Testing Positive for COVID-19

Joe Diffie Releases Statement After Testing Positive for COVID-19

Posted on March 27, 2020

Joe Diffie, 61, has confirmed he tested positive for COVID-19.

The “John Deere Green” singer released a statement on March 27: “I am under the care of medical professionals and currently receiving treatment. My family and I are asking for privacy at this time. We want to remind the public and all my fans to be vigilant, cautious and careful during this pandemic.”

Joe topped the charts with “Pickup Man,” “Home” and more in the 1990s. In 2019, Joe celebrate his 25th anniversary as a member of the Grand Ole Opry. He recently released his new vinyl album, Joe, Joe, Joe Diffie, which features many of his past hits.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Jimmy’s blog: Yarbrough never felt pressure as McDonald’s All-American

Jimmy’s blog: Yarbrough never felt pressure as McDonald’s All-American

Posted on March 27, 2020

By Jimmy Hyams

Vincent Yarbrough was one of the top five high-school prospects in the nation in 1998 – a blue-chip talent from Cleveland, Tenn.

The 6-foot-7 forward had his choice of colleges.

He picked Tennessee – only the sixth McDonald’s All-American to sign with the Vols at the time since McDonald’s started such an honor in 1977.

And at that time, only one McDonald’s All-American became a star for the Vols – Allan Houston.

Yarbrough didn’t reach the heights of Houston, but he made first-team All-SEC as a senior, second-team as a sophomore and junior, and ranks among UT’s top 10 in scoring, steals, blocks and offensive rebounding.

Did Yarbrough feel intense pressure to live up to his high-school billing?

“No, there wasn’t any extra pressure being a McDonald’s All-American,’’ Yarbrough said in a recent interview on SportsTalk WNML, “because I didn’t come into a situation thinking I was one-and-done.

“I came into a situation knowing I had a lot to learn. I knew I was a good, athletic player.’’

But he played center in high school. He would be a wing in college – and, in the pros, if he was good enough.

Veterans like Brandon Wharton, Tony Harris and Aaron Green taught him what to look forward to and how physical play was in the SEC.

“For myself, it was more of a learning experience,’’ Yarbrough said. “Coming in thinking you’re a one-and-done, it’s unwanted or unneeded pressure on you.’’

Yarbrough averaged only 7.6 points as a freshman.

“As a competitive basketball player, you always feel you could do better,’’ Yarbrough said. “I came into a senior-led team. They’d been there and made a commitment to the program and got it to a level where it was nationally recognized.’’

Yarbrough’s scoring averages the next three years: 14.8 then 13.9 then 18.1. He scored 1,737 career points, collected 862 rebounds, recorded 211 steals and blocked 131 shots.

“I thought I was the glue guy for the team,’’ Yarbrough said. “So if there was something that needed to be done, that’s what I tried to do. I wasn’t that guy trying to score 30 points every night.

“The one thing I did try to consistently do is what the coaches asked me to do.’’

Tennessee was 20-9 the year before Yarbrough arrived, 21-9 his freshman season. The Vols went 26-7 the next season and reached the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament, where they were ousted by North Carolina.

UT went 22-11 Yarbrough’s junior season, but the team started 16-1 and was ranked as high as No. 4 in the nation when they bottomed dropped out. The Vols lost eight of their next 10 then fell to Charlotte in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Coach Jerry Green was fired. Buzz Peterson was hired.

Yarbrough said it took a while to get used to playing for Green, who wasn’t as demanding as his high school coach, Ray Grant.

“He (Green) expected you to do what you were there to do,’’ Yarbrough said. “That was new to me.’’

Yarbrough said he eventually “loved playing for coach Green. Some of the outcomes in the tournaments, probably not. … But there were some reasons why. You can not just say, `Green wasn’t the greatest coach.’’’

Yarbrough said he returned for his senior season at Tennessee because he thought the team could accomplish special things.

“I felt we had a great enough team to win a national championship,’’ Yarbrough said. “And it just so happened (Green) got fired before that they brought in coach Buzz Peterson. And it was another adjustment to a coach.’’

 

The adjustment didn’t go well. Tennessee went 15-16 in Peterson’s first season and didn’t even qualify for the NIT.

 

After playing several years overseas, Yarbrough started a shooting camp. He said he had three great instructional coaches, and he wants to pass that on to young players.

“It’s really exciting for me,’’ he said. “I probably get more out of it than them because it gives them a chance to live out their dreams.’’

 

McDonald’s All-Americas

Tennessee has now signed 12 McDonald’s All-Americans. Five would be considered good to great: Houston, Yarbrough, Tony Harris, Tobias Harris and Scotty Hopson.

Four would be considered busts: James Ratiff (1977 – he transferred after one year to Howard University), Doug Roth (1985), Charles Hathaway (1996) and Jackie Butler (2003 – Butler never enrolled at UT, then turned pro).

The jury remains out on Josiah-Jordan James, who had an up-and-down freshman season.

The other two are incoming freshmen: Jaden Springer and Keon Johnson.

Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all 

Craig Morgan Announces New Album, “God, Family, Country”

Craig Morgan Announces New Album, “God, Family, Country”

Posted on March 27, 2020

Craig Morgan will drop a new album, God, Family, Country, on May 22.

The 10-song offering features five new songs, as well as five newly remastered tunes from Craig’s past catalog, including “Almost Home” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.”

New songs include his recent iTunes No. 1 hit, “The Father, My Son and the Holy Ghost,” which pays tribute to his late son, Jerry, as well as a cover of Gavin DeGraw’s “Soldier” and “Sippin’ On the Simple Life,” which Craig co-wrote with active duty Army Airborne Rangers Justin Wright and Andrew Yacovone.

“This album is based on everything that’s happened in my life and my career,” Craig says. “I feel like I have some of the most quality songs I’ve ever recorded, and there is a new energy here. After all I’ve been through, I’m at one of the most inspired places I’ve ever been.”

The album is available for pre-order now, with instant-grat tracks “The Father, My Son and The Holy Ghost” and “Going Out Like This.”

God, Family, Country Track List and Songwriters

  1. “The Father, My Son and The Holy Ghost” (Craig Morgan)*
  2. “Soldier” (Gavin DeGraw)*
  3. “Going Out Like This” (Craig Morgan, Michael Rogers, Korey Hunt, Sam Banks)*
  4. “Whiskey” (Anthony Smith, Sarah Beth Terry)*
  5. “Sippin’ On The Simple Life” (Craig Morgan, Michael Rogers, Justin Wright, Andrew Yacovone)*
  6. “God, Family and Country” (Craig Morgan, Craig Morris, Lance McDaniel)**
  7. “That’s What I Love About Sunday” (Adam Dorsey, Mark Narmore)**
  8. “My Kind Of Woman” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Jason Sellers)**
  9. “Almost Home” (Craig Morgan, Kerry Kurt Phillips)**
  10. “Lotta Man (In That Little Boy)” (Craig Morgan, Phil O’Donnell, Tim Owens)**
*New music
**Remastered

photo by NCD

Charlie Daniels Reveals Lineup for 2020 Volunteer Jam at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

Charlie Daniels Reveals Lineup for 2020 Volunteer Jam at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena

Posted on March 27, 2020

Charlie Daniels announced the lineup for his all-star concert, Volunteer Jam, which will take place at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Sept. 15. Since its inception in 1974, Charlie’s Volunteer Jam has brought together some of music’s biggest stars for a number of worthwhile causes.

This year’s lineup includes Trace Adkins, Justin Moore, The Marshall Tucker Band, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Larry, Steve & Rudy: The Gatlin Brothers, Big & Rich, Gretchen Wilson, Cowboy Troy, Delbert McClinton, Keb’ Mo’, The Outlaws, Jenny Tolman, the Atlanta Rhythm Section, Devon Allman & Duane Betts, Travis Denning, Mickey Gilley, Johnny Lee, Scooter Brown Band, The SteelDrivers, Rhett Akins, Pure Prairie League and comedian Dusty Slay.

“With so many kinds of music and so many artists from different fields and different eras, this is shaping up to be the most unique Jam yet,” says Charlie. “We’ve been adding acts at a dizzying pace, and we ain’t even near bout done. Just the end of the Jam will feature enough top-line guitar pickers to shake the walls. Gonna make some special memories with this one.”

500 tickets have been made available for volunteers who have participated in the recent emergency relief efforts across Middle Tennessee.

Tickets are on sale now. Emergency relief volunteers may request tickets via [email protected].

photo by NCD

Kane Brown Teams With John Legend in New Ballad, “Last Time I Say Sorry” [Listen]

Kane Brown Teams With John Legend in New Ballad, “Last Time I Say Sorry” [Listen]

Posted on March 27, 2020

After recording tunes with Marshmello, Becky G, Khalid and more, Kane Brown added to his cross-genre collaborations by teaming with John Legend for the new ballad, “Last Time I Say Sorry.”

“Last Time I Say Sorry” was co-written by Kane, Legend, Matt McGinn and Andrew Goldstein, who also produced the track. Kane and Legend initially connected during an episode of The Voice in which Kane was a guest performer, while Legend served as a coach.

Kane and Legend will make their national television performance debut of “Last Time I Say Sorry” on ACM Presents: Our Country on April 5 at 7 p.m. CT on CBS.

Listen to “Last Time I Say Sorry” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Florida Georgia Line Drops 5th Album’s Lead Single, “I Love My Country” [Listen]

Florida Georgia Line Drops 5th Album’s Lead Single, “I Love My Country” [Listen]

Posted on March 27, 2020

Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley of Florida Georgia Line dropped a new single, “I Love My Country,” on March 27.

“I Love My Country” was co-written by Corey Crowder, Ernest K. Smith and Charlie Handsome. The new tune serves as the lead single from FLG’s upcoming fifth studio album, which is slated to drop later this year.

The upcoming album follows the released of 2019’s Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, which spawned No. 1 hit, “Simple.”

Listen to “I Love My Country” below.

photo by NCD

Kip Moore Announces 4th Studio Album, “Wild World”

Kip Moore Announces 4th Studio Album, “Wild World”

Posted on March 27, 2020

Kip Moore will release his fourth studio album, Wild World, on May 29.

The 13-song offering features 12 songs that Kip co-wrote, including lead singe, “She’s Mine,” which is currently No. 36 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 28 weeks.

In addition, Kip co-produced the album with David Garcia, Luke Dick and Blair Daly on select tracks.

“I know it’s an unsettling time for a lot of people right now, and so my hope is that this music can bring even just one person some peace,” says Kip. “I try to make music that reaches people in a pure sense—something that’s light and easy to carry with you, but 1,000 pounds of weight at the same time, and I think Wild World is just a depiction of what I see. Life is one crazy, wild ride. But it can be so simple if we look for the right things, and I think that is more important than ever right now.”

Kip’s forthcoming project follows his 2018 EP, Room to Spare: The Acoustic Sessions, and his 2017 studio album, Slowheart, which spawned hits “More Girls Like You” and “Last Shot.”

Wild World Track List & Songwriters

1. “Janie Blu” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
2. “Southpaw” (Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
3. “Fire And Flame” (Cary Barlowe, Brett James, Kip Moore, Will Weatherly)
4. “Wild World” (Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
5. “Red White Blue Jean American Dream” (Jimi Bell, Barton Davies, Luke Dick, Philip Lammonds)
6. “She’s Mine” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore, Scott Stepakoff)
7. “Hey Old Lover” (Dan Couch, Kip Moore)
8. “Grow On You” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
9. “More Than Enough” (David Garcia, Josh Miller, Kip Moore)
10. “Sweet Virginia” (Kip Moore, Manny Medina, Erich Wigdahl)
11. “South” (Adam Browder, Dan Couch, Manny Medina, Kip Moore, Dave Nassie, Erich Wigdahl)
12. “Crazy For You Tonight” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)
13. “Payin’ Hard” (Blair Daly, Westin Davis, Kip Moore)

photo by NCD

March 27: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Ingrid Andress, Kip Moore, Matt Stell & More

March 27: Live-Stream Show Calendar With Ingrid Andress, Kip Moore, Matt Stell & More

Posted on March 27, 2020

Country stars are trying to do their part to keep us entertained during our self-quarantines (hopefully) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Here’s a rundown of what to expect as some of our favorite stars perform live and chat via social media.

March 27 (updated throughout the day)

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

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