Freshman Trio Pushes Vols to 72-43 Win Over Florida A&M

Freshman Trio Pushes Vols to 72-43 Win Over Florida A&M

Posted on December 5, 2019
Vols F Olivier Nkamhoua / Credit: 99.1 The Sports Animal

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Behind a staunch defensive effort, No. 21 Tennessee moved past Florida A&M, 72-43, Wednesday night in Thompson-Boling Arena.

The 43 points scored by the Rattlers (0-7) were the second-fewest points scored by a Tennessee opponent this season. It also marked the fewest points for Florida A&M this season. It was the third time this season the Vols (7-1) held an opponent to fewer than 50 points.

The Vols limited the Rattlers to just 35.6 percent shooting from the field, as only two Florida A&M players shot better than 50 percent on the night. Tennessee’s 29-point margin of victory Wednesday was its second-highest margin this season.

Freshman Olivier Nkamhoua had a breakout performance, recording his first career double-double and the fourth for any Tennessee player this season.

The Helsinki, Finland, native nearly doubled his season-high with 13 rebounds–with seven coming on the offensive glass. He also posted a season-high 11 points on 5-of-9 shooting while adding a team-high two blocks.

Fellow Vols freshman Josiah-Jordan James finished with a season-high in points with 10, while freshman Davonte Gaines added seven. The first-year trio accounted for nearly 40 percent of the Vols’ scoring.

Their efforts helped push the nation’s longest active home winning streak to 31 games, the third-longest in program history.

In total, Tennessee had five players finish with double-digit points. John Fulkerson tallied a game-high 15 points on 7-of-12 shooting. It was just two points off his career high and was the sixth time in eight games this season he has scored in double-figures.

Yves Pons posted 14 points to go along with seven rebounds, two steals and a block. The 6-6 junior has now recorded at least one block in every game this season and double-digit points in six games. Lamonte Turner was the final Vol with double-digit points, all 10 of which came in the first half.

After Florida A&M scored a basket in the opening minute of the game, Tennessee held the Rattlers without a field goal for the next 9:15 in the half. During the stretch, UT built the lead to 14 points.

By halftime, the Vols had pushed the lead to 21 points, their largest lead at the midway point this season. Both Pons and Turner were in double figures as their combined 22 points outscored the entire Florida A&M team by four.

Tennessee made the most of its second-chance opportunities, scoring 14 points on eight offense rebounds in the first half. The Rattlers grabbed just 11 total rebounds through the first 20 minutes.

TOP TEN TAY: Lamonte Turner moved into the top 10 in program history in 3-point field goals Wednesday. In four seasons on Rocky Top, Turner has made 171 3-pointers, which ranks second among all active SEC players.

He entered UT’s all-time top 10 with a three at the 5:24 mark in the first half. He is currently tied with Greg Bell (1987-91) for 10th and is eight triples back of tying Jordan McRae (2010-14) and Vincent Yarbrough (1998-2002) for eighth.

PROTECTING OUR FLOOR: With the victory, Tennessee extended its home winning streak to 31 games, the longest active streak in Division I.

The 37-game win streak from 2006-09 and a 33-game win streak from 1966-68 stand as the only longer home win streaks in program history.

ONE WIN AWAY: Head Coach Rick Barnes is now just one win away from becoming the 22nd coach in NCAA history to reach 700 victories in his career.

During Barnes’ five years on Rocky Top, the Vols hold a 54-15 record as a ranked team (per the AP poll).

PONS PRODUCTION: Through just eight games this season, Yves Pons surpassed his combined point production from his first two seasons at Tennessee. This season he has upped his production to 12.6 points per game, an increase of 11 points over his first two seasons.

UP NEXT: Tennessee is off for nine days for exams before a top-25 matchup with in-state foe Memphis Dec. 14. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET on ESPN.

The game is sold out, but tickets are available through Tennessee’s exclusive resale partner, Vivid Seats.

BOX SCORE  |  HIGHLIGHTS  |  PHOTOS  |  QUOTES  |  FULKERSON POSTGAME INTERVIEW  |  BARNES POSTGAME PRESSER

-UT Athletics

Jennings suspended for 1st half of bowl; see Fulmer statement

Jennings suspended for 1st half of bowl; see Fulmer statement

Posted on December 5, 2019

The SEC announced on Wednesday that Vols wide receiver Jauan Jennings has been suspended for the first half of UT’s bowl game.

Below is a statement from Tennessee Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer on the SEC’s Announcement:

“Commissioner Sankey shared his perspective on the actions in question, we had a long conversation about the matter, and we will honor the suspension. 

Jauan has been nothing but outstanding for our team and program this entire season.” 

-UT Athletics

Vols WR Jauan Jennings / Credit: 99.1 The Sports Animal

 

 

Blake Shelton’s New Album, “Fully Loaded: God’s Country,” Features a Duet With Gwen Stefani on “Nobody But You”

Blake Shelton’s New Album, “Fully Loaded: God’s Country,” Features a Duet With Gwen Stefani on “Nobody But You”

Posted on December 4, 2019

In October, Blake Shelton revealed the cover art and track list for his upcoming album, Fully Loaded: God’s Country, which drops on Dec. 13.

Today (Dec. 4), Blake revealed that one of the new tracks, “Nobody But You,” is a duet with girlfriend Gwen Stefani. Penned by Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne and Tommy Lee James, “Nobody But You” is one of five new tunes on the upcoming album.

“This was one of those songs where the more I heard it, the more I fell in love with it,” Blake says. “I also realized how important it is for me and where I am in my life, and I think that’s why Shane [McAnally] was trying to get it to me. It fits my story. I was about to go in and record when I decided that it needed Gwen on it—because it is our song. I think it’s magic.”

photo courtesy Warner Music Nashville

Fully Loaded: God’s Country Track List & Songwriters

1. God’s Country – Michael Hardy, Jordan Schmidt, Devin Dawson
2. Hell Right (feat. Trace Adkins) – David Garcia, Brett Tyler, Michael Hardy
3. Nobody But You (Duet with Gwen Stefani) – Ross Copperman, Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, Tommy Lee James
4. Came Here to Forget – Craig Wiseman, Deric Ruttan
5. She’s Got a Way with Words – Wyatt Earp, Andy Albert, Marc Beeson
6. A Guy With a Girl – Ashley Gorley, Bryan Simpson
7. Every Time I Hear That Song – Aimee Mayo, Chris Lindsey, Brad Warren, Brett Warren
8. I’ll Name the Dogs – Matt Dragstrem, Ben Hayslip, Josh Thompson
9. I Lived It – Ashley Gorley, Ben Hayslip, Rhett Akins, Ross Copperman
10. Turnin’ Me On – Blake Shelton, Jessi Alexander, Josh Osborne
11. Jesus Got a Tight Grip – Blake Shelton, Chase McGill, Jessi Alexander, Rhett Akins
12. Tequila Sheila – Mac Davis, Shel Silverstein

photo by O\’Connor, AFF-USA.com

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to Feature Bill Anderson, Martina McBride, Chris Stapleton & More in 2020 Exhibits

Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum to Feature Bill Anderson, Martina McBride, Chris Stapleton & More in 2020 Exhibits

Posted on December 4, 2019

The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum announced that the lives and careers of Chris Stapleton, Martina McBride and Bill Anderson will be featured in individual exhibits in 2020.

  • Chris Stapleton: June 26 (opening date)
  • Martina McBride: Aug. 21
  • Bill Anderson: Nov. 20

Additional details specific to each exhibit will be revealed as the opening date approaches in 2020.

“I’m proud to get to share pieces of our musical journey at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum,” said Chris.

“Having an exhibit in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is something I’ve had on my dream list for a long, long time,” said Martina. “Being able to share moments and mementos from my life and career with my fans and country music fans from all over the world is both humbling and exciting. I’m so grateful to be a part of country music.”

“I grew up dreaming of the day they’d put my ball glove into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, but realized many years ago that wasn’t going to happen,” said Bill. “But now, knowing that my guitar and maybe a rhinestone suit or two will be put into an exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Nashville, more than makes up for it. When our Hall does an exhibit, they really do it up right. I am thrilled to know that I am about to be a small part of their incredible legacy.”

In addition, the Museum’s annual American Currents: State of the Music exhibit will return in 2020, while the Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s exhibit, which opened in May 2018, will continue through February 2021.

photos: Bill Anderson by AFF-USA.com; Martina McBride & Chris Stapleton by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Watch Chris Young & Gavin DeGraw Team Up for “I Don’t Want to Be” at Upcoming “CMT Crossroads”

Watch Chris Young & Gavin DeGraw Team Up for “I Don’t Want to Be” at Upcoming “CMT Crossroads”

Posted on December 4, 2019

Chris Young joined forces with Gavin DeGraw at The Factory in Franklin, Tenn., on Nov. 26 to tape a new episode of CMT Crossroads that will air on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. CT.

The cross-genre stars collaborated on each other’s hits, share stories and more. While Chris, 34, has scored 10 No. 1 hits on the country charts since dropping his self-titled debut album in 2006, Gavin, 42, has found success on the pop charts with hits like “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Not Over You” and more.

The one-hour special features the artists collaborating on Gavin’s “I Don’t Want to Be,” “Not Over You,” “Soldier,” and “Sweeter,” along with Chris’ “Drowning,” “I’m Comin’ Over,” “Raised on Country,” and “Hangin’ On.” The two also cover Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed.”

“I met Chris at a barroom in Nashville a couple years back and we hit it off right away,” says Gavin. “He’s a bar guy, like me. We all love country music, and the best thing about country is the feeling of community around it. Chris embodies that sense of community, not only in his music, but in real life as well. That’s why I’m excited to be part of Crossroads with him.”

“I’ve been a fan of Gavin’s songwriting and music for a lot of years and we’ve become friends since he’s moved to Nashville so teaming up for Crossroads was pretty much a no-brainer,” says Chris. “We had a lot of fun on stage together collaborating on each other’s hits and stretching beyond what people might expect to hear from us.”

Watch Gavin and Chris perform “I Don’t Want to Be” below.

photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for CMT/Viacom

Jimmy’s blog: Smith could be high first-rounder if he turns pro, Cubelic says

Jimmy’s blog: Smith could be high first-rounder if he turns pro, Cubelic says

Posted on December 4, 2019

By Jimmy Hyams

When blood clots were discovered in the lungs of Tennessee offensive lineman Trey Smith in the spring of 2018, there was no assurance he’d ever play football again.

He did, starting the first seven games of last season.

Then the blood clots resurfaced, and Smith was sidelined again.

From that point, Tennessee tried to find a remedy that would allow Smith to practice without running the risk of bleeding, then play in games on Saturdays.

It worked – spectacularly.

After a slow start to this season, Smith came on like gangbusters, recording pancake block after pancake block, earning SEC offensive linemen of the week honors twice and, likely, first-team All-SEC recognition.

It’s been reported that since August, Smith has had just two full contact practices.

Did Smith doubt he’d be able to play under those circumstances?

“Yeah, absolutely,’’ said the junior from Jackson, Tenn. “You always have a doubt in your mind. And it’s weird to say, but just believing in God, I just didn’t make that much of a big deal about it. I just went to work every day and whenever the game came rolling around, it just kept getting easier and easier.

“It has been a lot more comfortable.’’

No joke. Smith has been dominant the second half of the season, so dominant that the SEC Network’s Cole Cubelic, a former offensive lineman at Auburn, thinks Smith is an elite talent.

Cubelic said it’s been “amazing to watch’’ Smith perform considering at a high level he doesn’t have contact in practice.

Smith has been nominated for the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award, which goes to a student-athlete who has done well on and off the field.

Cubelic said if Smith decides to turn pro early and visits with NFL officials “they’re not going to get around a more impressive kid. That’s the part I think people will fall in love with.’’

The NFL might also fall in love with Smith’s play.

Cubelic said NFL guys he’s talked to would like to see Smith return for his senior year at Tennessee and “hopefully get things under wraps’’ and “have an idea of what the future is going to look like.’’

Cubelic said Smith is “a legitimate first-round NFL talent.’’

Cubelic isn’t sure how high Smith would go in the draft.

Cubelic: “It only takes one team that has a doctor that has handled a similar situation somewhere that can go to the front office and say, `It’s not a big deal. We’ve handled it. We’ve got it. I’ve dealt with it with this guy and this guy and this guy. And this is what we do and we’ll be fine and we manage it moving forward.’

“That kind of confidence only needs to come from one team that’s drafting in the first round. And boom, he’s off the board.

“If he came out, he’s the best guard in the draft talent wise. I don’t even think it’s close. I think easily a first-round talent, if not a first-half of the first-round talent.

“But there will be some serious unknowns. I don’t think we’ve had a medical situation like this that’s been dealt with at the combine. … But it would be interesting to see. I don’t know how scared they (NFL teams) would be. I don’t know how confident some of the medical staffs would be.’’

Cubelic also questioned how many teams would be OK with a player not practicing, then playing, like Smith has done at Tennessee.

“They might be fine with it. They might not like it at all. There are so many uncertainties about it,’’ Cubelic said.

As for Smith, he’s non-committal.

“I’m not really focused on that,’’ Smith said of the NFL. “I’m just focused on the next bowl game, making sure our team is successful while I wear the Orange and White.’’

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Butler Named to SEC Community Service Team

Butler Named to SEC Community Service Team

Posted on December 4, 2019
Credit: UT Athletics

Knoxville, Tenn. – Tennessee’s defensive lineman Matthew Butler has been named to the SEC’s Community Service Team for football, announced the conference on Wednesday.

A player was selected from each one of the conference’s 14 institutions to highlight a student-athlete who gives back to his community through superior service efforts.

Butler was recognized for his continued commitment to both local and international communities.

The junior logged over 65 hours of community service over the last semester, including a two-week sports-based service trip to Rwanda as part of the VOLeaders Academy.

He was one of three football student-athletes selected for the VOLeaders Academy, which is a program that aims to cultivate positive student-athlete leaders through sport to create positive social change. Student-athletes admitted into the VOLeaders Academy learn how to be a positive force for their team, campus, and local and global communities.

Classmate Trey Smith was selected to the Community Service Team last year for the Vols.

 

UT Athletics

Watch Lady Antebellum’s Dreamy Rendition of “White Christmas” at “CMA Country Christmas” TV Special

Watch Lady Antebellum’s Dreamy Rendition of “White Christmas” at “CMA Country Christmas” TV Special

Posted on December 4, 2019

Lady Antebellum took the stage at the CMA Country Christmas TV special that aired on Dec. 3 to perform “White Christmas.”

The holiday standard, which was penned by Irving Berlin, has been recorded by a bevy of artists, including Frank Sinatra, Andy Williams, Garth Brooks, Michael Bolton, Bette Midler and more.

In addition to Lady A, a number of stars took the stage to sing their favorite yuletide tunes during the show, including Trisha, Dierks Bentley, Runaway June, Kristin Chenoweth, for King & Country, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Runaway June, CeCe Winans, Chris Young and Brett Young.

Watch Lady A perform “White Christmas” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Watch Chris Young’s Performance of “Holly Jolly Christmas” at the “CMA Country Christmas” TV Special

Watch Chris Young’s Performance of “Holly Jolly Christmas” at the “CMA Country Christmas” TV Special

Posted on December 4, 2019

Chris Young stopped by the CMA Country Christmas TV special that aired on Dec. 3 to perform “Holly Jolly Christmas.” The holiday standard, which was penned by Johnny Marks, has been recorded by a number of artists, including Burl Ives, Michael Bublé, Alan Jackson, Lady Antebellum and more. Chris recorded the tune for his 2016 holiday album, It Must Be Christmas.

In addition to Chris, a number of stars took the stage to sing their favorite yuletide tunes during the show, including Trisha, Dierks Bentley, Runaway June, Kristin Chenoweth, for King & Country, Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Runaway June, CeCe Winans and Brett Young.

Watch Chris perform “Holly Jolly Christmas” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Watch For King & Country Bring the Noise With Rousing Performance of “Little Drummer Boy” at “CMA Country Christmas” TV Special

Watch For King & Country Bring the Noise With Rousing Performance of “Little Drummer Boy” at “CMA Country Christmas” TV Special

Posted on December 4, 2019

With two Grammy Awards and five GMA Dove Awards to their credit, duo For King & Country—comprised of Australian-born brothers Joel, 35, and Luke Smallbone, 33—is well known in the Christian pop community. Country music fans were likely introduced to the duo during the recent remix of their hit song, “God Only Knows,” which featured Dolly Parton. The duo’s original version of the song reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Christian Airplay chart in 2019. Joel and Luke also teamed with Dolly for the first live performance of “God Only Knows” at the CMA Awards on Nov. 13.

The brothers delivered a rousing performance of “Little Drummer Boy” during the CMA Country Christmas TV special that aired on Dec. 3. Over the years, the popular Christmas tune has been covered by a who’s who of artists, including Johnny Cash, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, Emmylou Harris, Bob Seger, Neil Diamond and more.

In addition to For King & Country, a number of stars took the stage to sing their favorite yuletide tunes during the show, including Trisha, Dierks Bentley, Runaway June, Kristin Chenoweth, , Chris Janson, Tori Kelly, Lady Antebellum, Rascal Flatts, Runaway June, CeCe Winans, Chris Young and Brett Young.

Watch For King & Country perform “Little Drummer Boy” below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

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