Hoops Preview: Tennessee vs. Chattanooga

Hoops Preview: Tennessee vs. Chattanooga

Vols F Yves Pons / Credit: UT Athletics

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

Second Annual “Salute to Service Week” Celebrations, Recognitions Begin Sunday

Second Annual “Salute to Service Week” Celebrations, Recognitions Begin Sunday

Salute to Service – UT / Credit: 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

Vince’s View: Week 13 score predictions including UT at Mizzou

Vince’s View: Week 13 score predictions including UT at Mizzou

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

Sam Hunt Makes First Statement Since DUI Arrest: “It Was a Poor Decision & I Apologize”

Sam Hunt Makes First Statement Since DUI Arrest: “It Was a Poor Decision & I Apologize”

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

Everything You Need to Know About the American Music Awards on Nov. 24

Everything You Need to Know About the American Music Awards on Nov. 24

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.

Country-Centric Nominees

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY 

  • Kane Brown
  • Luke Combs
  • Thomas Rhett

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY 

  • Kelsea Ballerini
  • Maren Morris
  • Carrie Underwood

FAVORITE DUO or GROUP – COUNTRY 

  • Dan + Shay
  • Florida Georgia Line
  • Old Dominion

FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY 

  • Kane Brown – Experiment
  • Dan + Shay – Dan + Shay
  • Carrie Underwood – Cry Pretty

FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY 

  • Luke Combs – “Beautiful Crazy”
  • Dan + Shay – “Speechless”
  • Blake Shelton – “God’s Country”

NEW ARTIST OF THE YEAR

  • Luke Combs
  • Billie Eilish
  • Lil Nas X
  • Lizzo
  • Ella Mai

COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR

  • Lady Gaga & Bradley Cooper – “Shallow”
  • Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road”
  • Marshmello & Bastille – “Happier”
  • Shawn Mendes & Camila Cabello – “Señorita”
  • Post Malone & Swae Lee – “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”

FAVORITE MUSIC VIDEO

  • Billie Eilish – “bad guy”
  • Ariana Grande – “7 rings”
  • Halsey – “Without Me”
  • Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road”
  • Taylor Swift – “You Need to Calm Down”

FAVORITE SONG – POP/ROCK

  • Halsey -“Without Me”
  • Jonas Brothers – “Sucker”
  • Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus – “Old Town Road”
  • Panic! At The Disco – “High Hopes”
  • Post Malone & Swae Lee – “Sunflower (Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse)”

FAVORITE SONG – RAP/HIP-HOP

  • Lil Nas X ft. Billy Ray Cyrus -“Old Town Road”
  • Post Malone – “Wow.”
  • Travis Scott – “SICKO MODE”

photos by O\’Connor/Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Dolly Parton’s 50th Anniversary Show at the Opry to Air on NBC on Nov. 26

Dolly Parton’s 50th Anniversary Show at the Opry to Air on NBC on Nov. 26

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

Morgan Wallen Turns Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” Into 8-Minute Short Film About a Vet With PTSD [Watch]

Morgan Wallen Turns Jason Isbell’s “Cover Me Up” Into 8-Minute Short Film About a Vet With PTSD [Watch]

Morgan Wallen has transformed Jason Isbell’s award-winning song, “Cover Me Up,” into an eight-minute short film about a military vet with PSTD.

Jason penned the personal song for his girlfriend—now wife—Amanda Shires after struggling with sobriety. He recorded the tune for his Grammy-winning album, Southeastern. “Cover Me Up” was recognized at the 2014 Americana Music Awards as Song of the Year.

Morgan first covered Jason’s “Cover Me Up” in 2018, scoring more than 20 million streams on Spotify. Morgan’s new short film, which was directed by Justin Clough, follows the story of a young vet returning home from war and his struggles with PSTD.

Watch the new short film below.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Listen to Cam’s Charming Cover of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

Listen to Cam’s Charming Cover of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”

Cam is getting into the holiday spirit by releasing her rendition of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.”

Cam, who is expecting her first child in December, released the track as a thank you to her fans, noting that she will be dropping a new album in 2020 with a new single in February.

“New baby, new decade, new music! I’m delivering this bundle of joy in December and then I’m delivering the new album for you in 2020,” says Cam. “First single is coming in February. But right now you get a special holiday treat: my version of my favorite Christmas song: ‘I’ll Be Home For Christmas’—especially tugs on my heartstrings this year with baby being due December 26th—and since it’s the season of gratitude, I want to say a heartfelt thank you for allowing me the time to explore, digest and perfect this new album. The universe says we’re right on time.”

Cam’s version of “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” was recorded at Blackbird Studio in Nashville. Bing Crosby scored a Top 10 hit with the classic yuletide tune in 1943.

Listen to Cam’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” below.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Bowden, Turner Eclipse Milestones in 76-41 Win over Alabama State

Bowden, Turner Eclipse Milestones in 76-41 Win over Alabama State

Vols G Lamonte Turner / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Lamonte Turner and Jordan Bowden both passed career milestones in the Vols’ 76-41 victory over Alabama State Wednesday night in Thompson-Boling Arena.

For the second consecutive season, Tennessee had two players join the 1000-Point Club in the same game. Last season, Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield reached the milestone against Louisville (Nov. 21, 2018). This season, it was Turner and Bowden, becoming the 51st and 52nd Vols to score 1,000 career points.

Bowden finished with a game-high 16 points, while Turner added 13 points to go along with a game-high six assists. Turner has had six or more assists in every game this season and came into Wednesday’s contest ranked second in the country with 9.3 assists per game.

Josiah-Jordan James snagged a game-high 13 rebounds, the first time a Tennessee player has had 10 or more boards this season. The Vols finished with a +15 rebounding margin in the game.

The Hornets’ 41 points in the game were the fewest points by a UT opponent this season and the fewest since Lenoir-Rhyne also managed just 41 points against Tennessee on Nov. 6, 2018.

The Vols held Alabama State without a field goal over the last 9:39 of the game, as all six of ASU’s points during that span came from the free-throw line.

Tennessee’s defensive effort helped it build the lead out to as much as 37 points as the Big Orange closed the game with a 24-6 run.

For the second consecutive game, John Fulkerson scored in double figures. It marked the first time in his career he had back-to-back double-digit games. Fulkerson ended the night with 10 points.

Yves Pons has now scored in double-digit in every game this season, totaling 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting Wednesday night.

After Tennessee a 3-pointer on the opening possession of the game, UT held the Hornets to just three points over the next 9:06 of the first half. It helped the Vols build their lead to 13-6 and maintained the lead through the final buzzer.

By halftime, Tennessee had pushed the margin to double digits with a 34-23 lead. Turner and Bowden nearly outscored the entire Alabama State team in the first half, as they had 22 points combined at the midway point.

1000-POINT CLUB: Both Turner and Bowden eclipsed the 1000-career point milestone Wednesday night. Bowden became the 51st player in program history to reach the milestone when he knocked down a jumper at the 5:54 mark of the first half.

Later in the game, Turner joined him, becoming the program’s 52nd all-time 1,000-point scorer. He hit the milestone with 11:38 left in the second half when he scored on a right-handed layup before adding an “and one” free throw.

HOME COOKING: With the victory, Tennessee extended its home winning streak to 29 games, the longest active streak in Division I. A 37-game win streak (2006-09) and a 33-game win streak (1966-68) stand as the only longer home win streaks in program history.

The Vols also now eclipsed a 75 percent winning percentage all-time in Thompson-Boling Arena, owning a 388-129 record (75.05 percent) in 33 seasons.

CRASHING THE BOARDS:  With a season-high 13 rebounds, Josiah-Jordan James became the first Tennessee freshman guard to grab 10 or more rebounds since Armani Moore had 11 on Jan. 19, 2013, in a win over Mississippi State.

FRESHMAN CONNECTION: When Oliver Nkamhoua subbed in for John Fulkerson with 3:50 remaining in the game, it marked the first time this season UT’s entire four-man freshman class was on the floor simultaneously. In the 3:14 that they were on the floor together, Tennessee went on a 12-1 run, including nine points from freshmen.

UP NEXT: Tennessee is back in Thompson-Boling Arena Monday night when it hosts in-state foe Chattanooga for a 7 p.m. ET tipoff. The game will air on the SEC Network.

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

-UT Athletics

Vols Set to Play in 2020 Charleston Classic

Vols Set to Play in 2020 Charleston Classic

Credit: UT Athletics

Tennessee is set to join the eight-team field at the 2020 Charleston Classic, which takes place Nov. 19-22, 2020, in beautiful and historic Charleston, South Carolina.

The tournament field also includes Florida State, Houston, Oklahoma State, Penn State, Seton Hall, VCU and host College of Charleston. The tournament bracket will be released in the summer, and games will take place at CofC’s 5,100-seat TD Arena.

The recent signing of the nation’s fourth-best recruiting class has boosted anticipation of Tennessee’s 2020-21 season. This tournament—in the hometown of current Vols freshman Josiah-Jordan James—will provide a great early-season test for the Big Orange. That Tennessee squad projects to be led by seniors John FulkersonJalen Johnson and Yves Pons.

Charleston is a five-hour drive from Knoxville and easily accessible via air travel. Direct flights to and from Nashville are available.

Fans can secure up to a $25 discount on all-tournament ticket books by signing up for an exclusive discounted pre-sale on www.charlestonclassic.com. Those who sign up between now and Sunday, Nov. 25 will receive first access to purchase tickets at a discount before they go on sale to the general public in July.

The Charleston Classic is owned and operated by ESPN Events and will be televised on the ESPN family of networks.

 

UT Athletics

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