Before the 2019 American Music Awards were handed out at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 24, many country stars walked the red carpet, including performers Shania Twain and Thomas Rhett, winners Carrie Underwood, Kane Brown and Dan + Shay, presenter Kelsea Ballerini and more.
Check out our red carpet photo gallery below, courtesy of O’Connor/Arroyo, AFF-USA.com.
photos by O\’Connor/Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
The 2019 American Music Awards, the world’s largest fan-voted awards show, handed out trophies at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Nov. 24.
Carrie Underwood (Favorite Female Artist-Country and Favorite Album-County) and Dan + Shay (Favorite Duo/Group-Country and Favorite Song-Country) took home two awards apiece, while Kane Brown (Favorite Male Artist-Country) and Lil Nas X and Billy Ray Cyrus (Favorite Song-Rap/Hip-Hop) scored one trophy each.
Carrie has now won 15 American Music Awards, tying her with Reba McEntire for the most-awarded female artist in country music history.
Check out the country-centric winners below.
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
FAVORITE DUO or GROUP – COUNTRY
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY
FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO
FAVORITE SONG – POP/ROCK
FAVORITE SONG – RAP/HIP-HOP
photo by O\’Connor/Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
COLUMBIA, Mo. – A career performance from redshirt junior quarterback Jarrett Guarantano and 100-yard receiving outputs from three different receivers pushed Tennessee past Missouri 24-20 for its fourth consecutive win and its fifth win in six games on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Vols improved to 6-5 on the year and 4-3 in SEC play, becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 2016, while Missouri fell to 5-6 and 2-5 in conference play.
Guarantano put together an impressive display through the air, completing 23-of-40 passes for a career-high 415 yards and two touchdowns. Guarantano’s performance moved him into eighth all-time in career passing yards, surpassing 1998 National Champion quarterback Tee Martin. Guarantano sits with 4,721 career passing yards.
This was Guarantano’s first career 400-plus yard performance and the first 400 yard passing output for any Vol since Tyler Bray threw for 404 yards in 2012, when current offensive coordinator Jim Chaney was in his first stint with the Vols.
Tennessee closed tonight’s contest with seniors Jauan Jennings and Marquez Callaway and junior Josh Palmer each surpassing 100 receiving yards. This is the first time UT has had three receivers surpass the century mark in a single game.
Palmer finished the night with a career and game-high 124 yards on six receptions.
Callaway and Jennings each finished with one touchdown and 110 and 115 yards, respectively. Both Callaway and Jennings moved into the top-10 in program history for career 100-yard performances. This was Jennings’ sixth career 100-yard output and the fifth for Callaway.
Jennings’ 115 yards moved him into sixth all-time in career receiving yards with 2,070 yards, passing Denarious Moore and Tim McGee.
On the defensive side of the ball, senior Daniel Bituli impressed with a game-high 12 total tackles and a crucial sack early in the fourth quarter to force a Missouri three-and-out.
The Tigers opened the scoring with a 30-yard field goal from Tucker McCann, following an 11 play, 57-yard drive that took 4:28 off the clock, giving them an early 3-0 advantage.
The Vols responded with a six play, 58-yard drive, yet Brent Cimaglia’s 34-yard field goal was blocked, holding the score at 3-0 in favor of the Tigers.
After holding the Missouri offense, UT drove 86 yards in nine plays, with freshman linebacker Quavaris Crouch punching it in on offense from a yard out for his first career touchdown in the second quarter. The drive was highlighted by a 51-yard pitch-and-catch from Guarantano to Jennings, tying Jennings’ season-long reception.
Crouch’s touchdown was the first by a UT defensive player, since AJ Johnson did so in 2012.
On Missouri’s ensuing drive, the Tigers strung together 75 yards in nine plays, with quarterback Kelly Bryant connecting with Tyler Badie from nine yards out, to give Missouri its second lead of the evening at 10-7.
After the teams traded three-and-outs, Tennessee regained the lead following a 16-yard touchdown connection from Guarantano to Jennings. Jennings corralled the ball at the five-yard line, before breaking a series of tackles on his way to the end zone.
Earlier in the same drive, Guarantano found Jennings for 20 yards on a key conversion on third-and-18 to keep the drive alive.
After the UT defense forced a Missouri punt, Guarantano and the offense took advantage of the final 38 seconds of the half, driving 66 yards in five plays, before Cimaglia connected on a 27-yard field goal to extend the Tennessee lead to 17-10 heading into the halftime break.
Guarantano found Palmer twice on that drive for 44 yards to help put the Vols in position to score.
Out of the locker room, Missouri opened the second half scoring with an eight-play, 55-yard drive, capped off by a second touchdown grab by Badie, this time coming from receiver Micah Wilson who acted as the Tigers quarterback, tying the contest at 17 apiece.
After trading punts, the Tennessee offense went back to work as Guarantano found Callaway twice through the air for 48 yards. The first connection between the two, put the Vols just outside the red zone, while the second went for a 17-yard touchdown as Callaway pulled in an impressive grab with a Missouri defender draped over him, giving Tennessee a 24-17 lead late in the third quarter.
Following a Tennessee fumble in the early stages of the final quarter, Missouri cut into the UT lead after McCann converted his second field goal of the night, this time from 33 yards, making the score 24-20 still in favor of the Vols.
Holding a slim four-point advantage, the Tennessee defense forced a late three-and-out, while the offense moved the chains twice to run out the clock, cementing their sixth win of the season.
Up next, Tennessee returns home for Senior Day when it takes on Vanderbilt inside Neyland Stadium, next Saturday for a 4 p.m. ET kickoff on SEC Network. UT’s class of 14 seniors will be honored on the field prior to kickoff.
By Jimmy Hyams
Tennessee started the season with an embarrassing loss to 25-point underdog Georgia State.
The Vols started the season blowing a game to BYU when coaches didn’t call for a prevent defense.
They started the season 1-4 and were given up for dead by many.
So was the quarterback, Jarrett Guarantano.
Man, how things have changed.
Tennessee defeated Missouri 24-20 Saturday night to win its fifth game in six outings and become bowl eligible for the first time since 2015.
And they couldn’t have done it without Guarantano.
The junior from New Jersey looks like a New Man. He completed 23 of 40 passes for 415 yards – the fourth most in school history – and tortured the Tigers by consistently converting on third-and-long. Only Peyton Manning and Tyler Bray have had more passing yards in a game for Tennessee.
“Jarrett played a great game,’’ Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt said. “And the receivers did a great job attacking the ball.’’
For the first half of this season, Guarantano was under attack. He stared down receivers, threw into coverage, slid before making a first down, checked to the wrong plays, fired interceptions, then came the Alabama Debacle.
A lesser man would have gone into a shell, might have quit.
Not JG. He apologized to the team after the Alabama faux pas, accepted a demotion, started playing the like a four-star recruit, and put his team in postseason play.
“Jarrett made some really good throws, really good throws,’’ Pruitt said after the Missouri (5-6) win. “He hung in there.
“Jarrett’s a winner. I said it when we went to the other quarterbacks, that he would help win games this year and he’s helped us win five out of the last six.’’
Tennessee (6-5) has beaten each of its last six opponents not named Alabama.
It’s been an impressive turnaround not just for Guarantano, but the coaching staff.
You could blame the coaches for not having the team ready for Georgia State and for not going into a prevent defense late against BYU.
But the staff did a marvelous job keeping the team together after the disappointing 1-4 start, putting players in position to succeed and pushing forward with an optimistic approach.
Guarantano wasn’t the only star on a night when UT scored only its second win at Missouri. His top three receivers made school history by becoming the first trio to each rack up 100 receiving yards.
Josh Palmer had six catches for 124 yards. Marquez Callaway had six catches for 110 yards. Jauan Jennings had five catches for 115 yards, and scored on a 16 yarder by breaking three tackles in a vintage Jennings move.
It didn’t hurt UT that two of Missouri’s top two cornerbacks were hurt.
Guarantano brushed off his performance by saying of his wideouts: “They had a better night catching the ball and they were getting open all night long.’’
Yes they were, thanks to a strange defense employed by Missouri. The Tigers’ defensive backs consistently gave enough cushion for the Vols convert third downs of 8, 18, 9, 5, 6, 8 and 5 yards, and one third-and-21 resulted in a 20-yard gain.
Offensive coordinator Jim Chaney was brilliant in his play calling, picking on cornerback Christian Holmes, who not only was victimized by catches but was guilty of three pass interference calls.
“He calls plays to make us successful,’’ Callaway said.
Remarkably, Tennessee had 10 completions of at least 20 yards and two more of more than 15 yards. And that was against the No. 1 pass defense in the SEC, mind you.
“We have the best receivers in the SEC,’’ Jennings said.
UT outpassed Missouri 415 yards to 181, outgained the Tigers 526 to 280 and might have won by a larger margin of not for some self-inflicted wounds.
The Vols had two field-goal attempts blocked and a late hit led to a Missouri field goal.
“We made a million mistakes out there,’’ Pruitt said. “We’ve just got to play smarter.’’
Guarantano certainly played smart.
“I’m just happy we won the game,’’ Guarantano said. “Glory to God.’’
Teammates were giving glory to Guarantano.
“We’ve always had confidence in Jarrett since the very first game,’’ Palmer said. “He always gives 100 percent every game and every practice.’’
Pruitt said the turning point of the season is when the Vols returned home from a 34-3 pasting to Florida.
“This is what were’ going to do,” Pruitt told the team, “we’re going to find a way to get to a bowl game.
“We’re still a long way from where we want to be, but we’re learning.’’
Tennessee got revenge against a Missouri team that had won two in a row over the Vols by 50-17.
Next up is Vanderbilt, which has won three in a row against the Vols.
“Can’t wait to see ‘em.’’ Jennings said. “Can’t wait to see ‘em. Can not wait to see ‘em.’’
Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – 20th-ranked Tennessee men’s basketball hits the hardwood for a Monday night matchup with Chattanooga inside Thompson-Boling Arena. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Monday’s contest can be seen on SEC Network, online through WatchESPN and on any mobile device through the ESPN App. Viewers can log on to WatchESPN at espn.com/watch. Mike Morgan (play-by-play) and Daymeon Fishback (color) will have the call.
Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling (play-by-play) and Bert Bertelkamp (color) describing the action.
Monday is Salute to Service night at Thompson-Boling Arena. Current and former military members can gain free admission for themselves and their immediate family members by showing a valid Military I.D. at gates c, e and the ticket tent located on Phillip Fulmer Way.
Last time out, the Vols steamrolled past Alabama State 76-41 on Wednesday night. The night was highlighted by seniors Jordan Bowden and Lamonte Turner becoming the 51st and 52nd members of Tennessee’s 1,000 Point Club. Bowden did so midway through the first half on a jumper from the short corner. Turner achieved his milestone bucket on a driving layup that led to an and-1 opportunity. Freshman Josiah-Jordan James was also impressive, bringing down a season-high 13 rebounds, while also dishing off five assists.
Tennessee’s matchup with the Mocs will be the 40th all-time meeting between the programs, with the Vols looking to avenge an 82-69 loss, the last time the teams met. UT currently sits with 94-17 all-time record against teams from the Southern Conference.
Up next, the Vols will travel south, to Niceville, Florida for the Emerald Coast Classic on Friday, Nov. 29 and Saturday, Nov. 30. On Friday, UT will take on Florida State at 7 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network. On Saturday the Vols will take on either Purdue or VCU at 4 p.m. or 7 p.m. ET. Both games will take place inside The Arena on the campus of Northwest Florida State College.
THE SERIES
• Tennessee leads its all-time series with Chattanooga, 33-6, dating to 1913. The Vols had won four straight in the series before the Mocs toppled the Big Orange, 82-69, in the 2016-17 season-opener at Thompson-Boling Arena.
• The Vols are 94-17 all-time against current members of the Southern Conference.
• Rick Barnes is 0-1 against the Mocs, as his lone previous meeting against Chattanooga was UT’s opener three seasons ago.
A WIN WOULD…
• Give the Volunteers their 30th consecutive home win; it is the longest active home win streak in Division I.
• Leave Rick Barnes‘ three wins away from recording his 700th career head coaching victory.
• Give Tennessee a 52-14 record as a ranked team during the Barnes era (AP rankings).
STORYLINES
• Chattanooga freshman Grant Ledford is a Knoxville native who graduated in May from Grace Christian Academy, where he totaled more than 2,400 points and more than 1,000 rebounds.
• The Vols are 14-4 against in-state opponents under Rick Barnes. See note on Page 4.
• Vols seniors Jordan Bowden and Lamonté Turner both surpassed the 1,000-career-point milestone during Wednesday’s win over Alabama State. They became the 51st and 52nd Vols ever to score 1,000 points, respectively.
• Monday’s contest is the second of two straight home games for the Vols before they travel to the Destin, Florida, area for the Emerald Coast Classic. Tennessee faces Florida State Friday before playing either Purdue or VCU on Saturday.
LAYUP LINES
• Tennessee returned to the top 25 last week, landing at No. 20 in the AP poll and No. 17 in the coaches poll. The Vols spent all of last season ranked in the AP top 10. The polls will be updated the day of the Chattanooga game.
• Tennessee leads the SEC in 3-point shooting percentage (.411), blocks per game (6.8 bpg) and assists per game (19.3 apg).
• Lamonté Turner ranks second among Division I players with 8.5 assists per game, trailing only Iowa State’s Tyrese Haliburton (10.3 apg).
• It was announced Thursday that the Vols are set to play in next season’s Charleston Classic in Charleston, South Carolina. That is the hometown of current Vols freshman Josiah-Jordan James.
• Yves Pons made 39 field goals in his first two seasons as a Vol (59 games). He has 24 made field goals in UT’s first four games this year.
ABOUT CHATTANOOGA
• A member of the University of Tennessee system, UT Chattanooga is coming off an 89-53 loss against Florida State in Tallahassee Wednesday night. The Mocs currently sit at 3-2, with a consistent starting five that features team leaders in nearly every major statistical category.
• Chattanooga looks to continue its climb back to the top of the Southern Conference ranks in 2019-20. After winning the SoCon Tournament and representing the league in the NCAA Tournament in 2015-16, the Mocs have failed to advance past the SoCon quarterfinals.
• After the transfer of three of its top four scorers, UTC seeks positive contributions from its own incoming transfers, Ramon Vila and Matt Ryan. Ryan currently ranks second on the team in both scoring (15.4 ppg) and steals (1.0 spg), while Vila has been a force on the boards, ranking second on the team with 5.6 rpg.
• The Mocs also lean on their leading scorer, redshirt-junior guard David Jean-Baptiste (16.4 ppg) who is the last holdover from the coaching change that saw the departure of Matt McCall and the hiring of current head coach Lamont Paris.
• In their history, the Mocs have won 10 SoCon Tournament titles, 10 regular-season crowns and made a memorable run to the Sweet Sixteen of the 1997 NCAA Tournament as a #14 seed, defeating Georgia and Illinois before falling to Providence.
• Notable alumni from UTC include the late actor Hugh Beaumont, who portrayed Ward Cleaver in the hit television series Leave it to Beaver, which ran from 1957-63.
LAST TIME VS. CHATTANOOGA
• Taking the court with its youngest lineup in 20 years, Tennessee dropped its season-opener, 82-69, to Chattanooga Nov. 11, 2016 in Thompson-Boling Arena.
• The Vols took a 17-10 lead on freshman guard Jordan Bone’s 3-pointer with 10:32 to go in the first half, which marked their biggest lead of the night and their only made shot from long range. Tennessee finished 1-16 from 3-point range and shot just 32.8 percent from the field.
• Bone led the Vols with 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting in his Tennessee debut. Another freshman, redshirt Lamonté Turner added 12 points off the bench. Grant Williams, also a freshman, had a team-high 10 rebounds for Tennessee.
• Senior Justin Tuoyo led Chattanooga with a game-high 22 points, while Tre’ McLean added 20. Tuoyo (11) and McLean (10) posted double-digit rebound totals.
• The loss marked just the third time Tennessee had lost its season-opener in 30 years at Thompson-Boling Arena.
VOLS SUCCESSFUL ON THE IN-STATE CIRCUIT
• Tennessee has won its last seven games against in-state opponents and is 14-4 vs. in-state foes under coach Rick Barnes.
• Those 14 wins include triumphs over ETSU (twice), Lipscomb (twice), Memphis, Tennessee State, Tennessee Tech (twice) and Vanderbilt (six times).
NATION’S LONGEST HOME WIN STREAK
• Tennessee is riding a 29-game home win streak that is the longest active streak among Division I teams.
• The streak dates to the 2017-18 season. The Vols won their final eight games at Thompson-Boling Arena that year before going 18-0 at home last season.
• Tennessee’s last loss in Knoxville was a 94-84 loss to Auburn on Jan. 2, 2018.
• The program record for consecutive home wins is 37 (2006-09). The current streak is the third-longest in UT history. The Vols have also authored a home win streaks of 33 games (1966-68).
KENT STEPS AWAY INDEFINITELY
• It was announced on Nov. 20 that redshirt sophomore forward Zach Kent decided to step away from the program indefinitely.
• Kent’s absence is in no way disciplinary in nature. He remains enrolled in classes and has the full support of the program and university.
• There is no timetable for his return.
WINDICATORS
• Tennessee under Rick Barnes is 40-4 when holding its opponent below a .390 field-goal percentage.
• Tennessee under Rick Barnes is 39-3 when it takes a double-digit lead into halftime.
• The Vols are 13-1 during John Fulkerson’s career when he grabs five or more rebounds.
• Tennessee is 7-1 during Lamonté Turner’s career when he makes four or more 3-pointers.
• The Vols are 5-0 during Yves Pons’ career when he scores 10 or more points.
GUARDS HITTING THE GLASS
• Did you know that Vols senior Jordan Bowden has the sixth-most career rebounds among all active players in the SEC? He has 351 boards in his career.
• Two other UT guards rank among UT’s top-five rebounders this season. True freshman Josiah-Jordan James (6.3 rpg) ranks second on the team, while Lamonté Turner ranks fifth (4.3 rpg).
• James pulled down 13 rebounds in UT’s win over Alabama State on Nov. 20.
-UT Athletics
A week to celebrate the history of the Tennessee Volunteers and the Volunteer Spirit by honoring those who serve begins Sunday, Nov. 24.
Following the popularity of the inaugural 2018 Salute to Service Weekend, Tennessee Athletics is proud to expand its efforts into a week-long “Salute to Service” campaign, Nov. 24 – Dec. 1. In 2018, UTAD welcomed more than 2,100 military members and veterans from across the southeast for the three-game weekend and hopes this year’s extended initiative will attract upwards of 5,000 proud Volunteers.
Salute to Service Week includes special recognitions, ceremonies, celebrations and opportunities for veteran and military families to attend a football (allotment exhausted), men’s basketball, women’s basketball and volleyball game free of charge (additional details provided below).
Volleyball vs. Missouri (Nov. 24) and Volleyball vs. Auburn (Nov. 27)
Cadet Bryce Miller, a member of the University of Tennessee Air Force ROTC Program, will kickoff Salute to Service Week celebrations with an “Honorary First Serve” at the Tennessee volleyball match on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. ET against Missouri at Thompson-Boling Arena. Current military members and veterans may present their military ID or DD 214 at the ticket tent located outside of Gate B for complimentary admission for themselves and their immediate families to both Sunday and Wednesday’s matches.
For a ticket to cheer on Tennessee volleyball at Thompson-Boling Arena during Salute to Service Week, click HERE.
Men’s Basketball vs. Chattanooga (Nov. 25)
Fans can catch Tennessee’s nationally ranked and undefeated men’s basketball team in action Monday at 7 p.m. ET as the Vol host the Chattanooga Mocs. The Big Orange are proud to host a joint contracting ceremony at halftime for cadets from both the University of Tennessee Army and Air Force ROTC programs. The game also features a special “Welcome Home Hero” recognition and the honoring of two Volunteers of the Game.
Current military members and veterans may present their military ID or DD 214 at the ticket tents located outside of Gate B, Gate D and the tent located at the main ticket office on Phillip Fulmer Way for complimentary admission for themselves and their immediate families. To purchase tickets to Feed the Floor and honor the great men and women of our military, click HERE.
In addition to complimentary admission for active military and veterans, free parking and shuttle service is available from UT’s Ag Campus.
Women’s Basketball vs. Arkansas Pine-Bluff (Nov. 26) and Women’s Basketball vs. Air Force (Dec. 1)
Led by first-year head coach Kellie Harper, the undefeated Lady Vols are in action on Tuesday and Sunday during Salute to Service Week, incorporating the theme into both competitions.
On Tuesday night, as part of Military Family Appreciation Month, families representing different branches of the military will be honored on the court.
For both games, in conjunction with the Office of UT Veterans Services, a Lady Vol “Lady Vet of the Game” was selected to participate in a behind-the-scenes guest-coaching experience, which includes seats behind the team bench and an inside look at what it’s like to be a Lady Vol on gameday.
Current military members and veterans may present their military ID or DD 214 at the ticket tents located outside of Gate B, Gate D and the tent located at the main ticket office on Phillip Fulmer Way for complimentary admission for themselves and their immediate families.
In addition to complimentary admission for active military and veterans, free parking and shuttle service is available from UT’s Ag Campus.
For tickets to Get Lady Vol Loud during Salute to Service Week, click HERE.
Football vs. Vanderbilt (Nov. 30)
Head coach Jeremy Pruitt and the Tennessee Volunteers football team welcomes more than 2,000 veteran and military families to experience the final 2019 home game in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 30. Special tributes are planned throughout gameday, beginning with the Vol Walk at 1:45 p.m. ET. Leading the Volunteers down Peyton Manning Pass and into the stadium will be a representative from each branch of the military. Cadets from the University of Tennessee Air Force and Army ROTC programs will march with the Pride of the Southland Band on the way to stadium. Two UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopters are expected to fly over iconic Neyland Stadium to add to the gameday pageantry during the pregame performance of The National Anthem.
The “Volunteer of the Game” provides tribute to the history of the Tennessee Volunteers nickname and the proud heritage of The Volunteer State. This season’s final Volunteer of the Game will be honored in a unique way for their tremendous story and sacrifice, sure to inspire Vol Nation and fans in attendance.
The Pride of the Southland’s halftime performance, “A Salute to our Armed Forces,” is a collection of patriotic tunes.
Additional gameday elements are planned to delight fans and honor many of East Tennessee’s finest, including the fan-favorite UT Medical Center “This is Tennessee” videoboard feature.
Tickets to the Salute to Service football game against Vanderbilt on Saturday, Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. ET are available HERE.
Military and First Responder Discount Offer
Veterans, military members and first responders are able to purchase discounted tickets to UT’s home football finale vs. Vanderbilt at a 20-percent-reduced rate with an exclusive promotional code. The discount offer also applies to all available men’s and women’s basketball games.
Discounted tickets are limited and based on availability. Restrictions may apply. Military units or veteran organizations wishing to receive an organizational discount code, may click HERE. Discounted tickets must be purchased in advance of gameday at AllVols.com or at the Tennessee Athletics ticket window. Discounted tickets are not available on gameday.
Seats for Service Members
Through the overwhelming generosity of Vol Nation and the support of the “Seats for Service Members” campaign, Tennessee Athletes matched more than 550 tickets purchased by Vol fans, providing 1,500 complimentary tickets to East Tennessee service members, veterans and their families for the 2019 home-opener against Georgia State and an additional 2,000 tickets to the Salute to Service football game against Vanderbilt.
Additional Salute to Service promotions and details can be found at UTsports.com/Fan HQ.
-UT Athletics
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
These are straight-up picks. The point spreads are just for some context of who the favorites are. Broadcast information for TV and radio is listed, as well as series info.
Check back here all season for score predictions on every game involving an SEC team all the way through the bowl season and perhaps, again, the national championship game.
2018 Game Prediction Record: 93-32 (74%)
2019 Week 12 Prediction Record: 6-0 (100%)
2019 Game Prediction Record: 79-16 (83%)
SATURDAY, NOV. 23 – SEC GAMES
Western Carolina (3-8) at #5 Alabama (9-1, 6-1 SEC)
Series: UA leads, 4-0
Noon ET • ESPN
Tuscaloosa, Ala. • Bryant-Denny Stadium (101,821)
Sirius: 133 • XM: 190
Line: Alabama -59
Score Prediction: Alabama 49 Western Carolina 0
Samford (5-6) at #15 Auburn (7-3, 4-3 SEC)
Series: AU leads, 27-0
Noon ET • SEC Network
Auburn, Ala. • Jordan-Hare Stadium (87,451)
Sirius: 134 • XM: 191
Line: Auburn -46
Score Prediction: Auburn 45 Samford 7
East Tennessee State (3-8) at Vanderbilt (2-8, 1-6 SEC)
Series: First Meeting
3:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network Alternate Channel
Nashville, Tenn. • Vanderbilt Stadium (40,350)
Sirius: 113 • XM: 192
Line: Vanderbilt -20 ½
Score Prediction: Vanderbilt 31 East Tennessee State 10
Texas A&M (7-3, 4-2 SEC) at #4 Georgia (9-1, 6-1 SEC)
Series: TAMU leads, 3-2
3:30 p.m. ET • CBS
Last: UGA, 44-20 (2009 at Independence Bowl)
Athens, Ga. • Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium (92,746)
Sirius: 134 • XM: 191
Line: Georgia -13
Score Prediction: Georgia 27 Texas A&M 24
UT-Martin (7-4) at Kentucky (5-5, 3-5 SEC)
Series: UK leads, 1-0
3:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Lexington, Ky. • Kroger Field (61,000)
Sirius: 133 • XM: 190
Line: Kentucky -30 ½
Score Prediction: Kentucky 42 UT-Martin 14
Arkansas (2-8, 0-6 SEC) at #1 LSU (10-0, 6-0 SEC)
Series: LSU leads, 40-22-2
7 p.m. ET • ESPN
Last: LSU 24-17 (2018 at Fayetteville)
Baton Rouge, La. • Tiger Stadium (102,321)
Sirius: 84 • XM: 84
Line: LSU -42
Score Prediction: LSU 52 Arkansas 21
Abilene Christian (5-6) at Mississippi State (4-6, 2-5 SEC)
Series: First Meeting
7:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network Alternate Channel
Starkville, Miss. • Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field (61,337)
Sirius: 113 • XM: 192
Line: Mississippi State -37
Score Prediction: Miss State 38 Abilene Christian 3
Tennessee (5-5, 3-3 SEC) at Missouri (5-5, 2-4 SEC)
Series: MIZ leads, 5-2
7:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Last: MIZ, 50-17 (2018 at Knoxville)
Columbia, Mo. • Faurot Field (62,621)
Sirius: 133• XM: 190
Line: Missouri -3 ½
Score Prediction: Tennessee 20 Missouri 13
Open: #11 Florida (9-2, 6-2 SEC); Ole Miss (4-7, 2-5 SEC); South Carolina (4-7, 3-5 SEC)
Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net
The day after being arrested for DUI in Nashville on Nov. 21, Sam Hunt released a statement via Twitter, saying: “Wednesday night I decided to drive myself home after drinking at a friend’s show in downtown Nashville. It was a poor and selfish decision and I apologize to everyone who was unknowingly put at risk and let down by it. It won’t happen again.”
Sam was arrested for driving under the influence and having an open container in Nashville on Nov. 21, according to a report from WKRN.com.
According to the arrest warrant, police were notified that a driver was traveling the wrong way on a Nashville road. Officers located the vehicle going the wrong way and pulled the car over. The driver, identified as Sam Hunt, had bloodshot eyes and smelled of alcohol. A field sobriety test was administered. Sam had a blood alcohol content of .173. The legal limit in Tennessee is below .08.
Sam was arrested around 6:30 a.m. and later released from jail around 9 a.m. on Nov. 21 on a $2,500 bond. His court date is Jan. 17, 2020.
photo by NCD
From nominations and notes to performers and presenters, here’s everything a country music fan needs to know about the 2019 American Music Awards.
Date: Nov. 24
Time: 8 p.m. ET/delayed PT
Location: Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles
Television Station: ABC
Host: Ciara
Pre-Show: 6 p.m. ET via Twitter
Performers: Thomas Rhett, Shania Twain, Taylor Swift, Christina Aguilera & A Great Big World, Toni Braxton, Camila Cabello, Billie Eilish, Green Day, Selena Gomez, Jonas Brothers, Kesha feat. Big Freedia, Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Post Malone feat. Travis Scott & Ozzy Osbourne
Presenters: Kelsea Ballerini, Kane Brown, Dan + Shay, Carole King, Paula Abdul, Tyra Banks, Chadwick Boseman, Misty Copeland, Rivers Cuomo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Jenna Dewan, David Dobrik, Michael Ealy, Maddie Hasson, Maya Hawke, Jameela Jamil, Jharrel Jerome, Taran Killam, Regina King, Heidi Klum, Katherine Langford, Dan Levy, Megan Thee Stallion, Ben Platt, Billy Porter, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Cobie Smulders, Pete Wentz and Constance Wu
Tribute: Taylor Swift will be presented with the Artist of the Decade award by Carole King
Nomination Criteria: The nominations are based on key fan interactions, including album and digital song sales, radio airplay, streaming, social activity and touring. The measurements are tracked by Billboard and its data partners, including Nielsen Music and Next Big Sound, reflecting the time period from Sept. 28, 2018, through Sept. 26, 2019. The American Music Awards winners are voted entirely by fans.
FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY
FAVORITE DUO or GROUP – COUNTRY
FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY
FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY
NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR
COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO
FAVORITE SONG – POP/ROCK
FAVORITE SONG – RAP/HIP-HOP
photos by O\’Connor/Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
If you weren’t able to attend Dolly Parton’s 50th anniversary show at the Grand Ole Opry on Oct. 12, NBC has you covered.
A two-hour TV special, Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Grand Ole Opry, will debut on NBC on Nov. 26 at 9 p.m. ET. The show will feature Opry performances from Dolly, Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Chris Janson, Toby Keith, Lady Antebellum, Margo Price, Hank Williams Jr. and more. The special also includes archival footage of Dolly’s most colorful and exciting moments through 50 years on the Opry stage, as well as interviews with the superstar and artists she’s influenced.
“I’m so thrilled to be celebrating my 50-year anniversary with the Grand Ole Opry,” says Dolly. “I’m also excited that NBC wanted to share in this milestone with me. Together we hope to entertain a broader audience on what the Grand Ole Opry is and what it means to me. We have some special treats, surprises and great performances by some very talented artists and I’m looking so forward to sharing it with you.”
photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com
