Jimmy’s blog: From a Decade of Dominance (1990s) to a Decade of Decline (2010s)

Jimmy’s blog: From a Decade of Dominance (1990s) to a Decade of Decline (2010s)

Posted on September 20, 2019

By Jimmy Hyams

Only Alabama has won more SEC football Championships than Tennessee.

And the Vols still rank among the top 15 in the nation in all-time wins.

But the decade of the 2010s has not been kind to the folks on Rocky Top.

We researched how UT has fared in each decade since 1960. UT had the fifth most wins among  SEC schools in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

The Vols vaulted to No. 2 in the 1990s, behind only Florida.

Even though UT didn’t win an SEC title in the 2000s, it had the fifth most wins among SEC teams.

That has changed in the 2010s. Entering this season, UT was 12th among SEC teams in total wins (55-57) ahead of only Kentucky (50-63) and Vanderbilt (50-63). During that time, the Vols have had one winning record in SEC play, made just four bowl games, managed just two seasons of more than seven wins, and had three teams that won no more than one conference game.

How’s that for a drought?

It’s hard to believe that from 2010-2018, South Carolina had 19 more wins and Mississippi State 18 more wins than Tennessee. Ole Miss and Arkansas had one more win, for crying out loud.

Some observations: Alabama had 22 more wins in the last nine years than any other SEC team; South Carolina has more wins than Florida (thanks in large part to Steve Spurrier); Mississippi State also has more wins than Florida and Missouri is tied with Florida; I counted Ole Miss’ wins on the field and didn’t subtract vacated victories)

Here’s a look at each SEC team’s record the first nine years of this decade:

  1. Alabama           112-13
  2. LSU                   90-30
  3. Georgia             88-34
  4. Auburn              78-41
  5. Texas A&M       76-41
  6. South Carolina  74-43
  7. Mississippi St.   73-44
  8. Florida              70-44
  9. Missouri           70-46
  10. Ole Miss          56-56
  11. Arkansas         56-57
  12. Tennessee      55-57
  13. Kentucky         50-63
  14. Vanderbilt        50-63

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

Miranda Lambert Announces 2020 “Wildcard Tour” With Cody Johnson, Lanco & More

Miranda Lambert Announces 2020 “Wildcard Tour” With Cody Johnson, Lanco & More

Posted on September 20, 2019

After Miranda Lambert caps her Roadside Bars & Pink Guitars Tour at the end of November, she’ll refuel during December before hitting the road in January for her headlining Wildcard Tour, which takes its name from her upcoming seventh studio album (Nov. 1).

The 27-date run kicks off on January 16 in Tupelo, Miss., making additional stops in Nashville, Denver, Boise, Vancouver, Montreal and more. Cody Johnson, Lanco, Randy Rogers Band and Parker McCollum will serve as support on select dates.

“The essence of a wildcard is always having something up your sleeve, in whatever capacity that means to you,” says Miranda. “It is universal. Which is why I’m excited to kick off this tour with an incredible group of talented artists. We’re going to have a blast!”

Ticket pre-sale begins on Sept. 24 at 12 p.m. local time, while tickets for the general public will begin to go on sale on Sept. 27.

Wildcard Tour Dates

Featuring Cody Johnson and Lanco

  •  Jan. 16 | BancorpSouth Arena | Tupelo, Miss.
  •  Jan. 17 | Mississippi Coast Coliseum | Biloxi, Miss.
  •  Jan. 18 | Legacy Arena at the BJCC | Birmingham, Ala.
  •  Jan. 23 | Verizon Arena | Little Rock, Ark.
  •  Jan. 24 | Bridgestone Arena | Nashville, Tenn.
  •  Jan. 25 | Ford Center | Evansville, Ind.
  •  Jan. 31 | Vivint Smart Home Arena | Salt Lake City, Utah
  •  Feb. 1 | Pepsi Center | Denver, Colo.
  •  Feb. 20 | Honda Center | Anaheim, Calif.
  •  Feb. 22 | Toyota Arena | Ontario, Calif.
  •  Feb. 28 | SAP Center | San Jose, Calif.
  •  Feb. 29 | Golden 1 Center | Sacramento, Calif.
  •  April 23 | Ford Idaho Center Arena | Boise, Idaho
  •  April 24 | Spokane Arena | Spokane, Wash.
  •  April 25 | Rogers Arena | Vancouver, British Columbia
  •  April 30 | Rogers Place | Edmonton, Alberta
  •  May 1 | Brandt Centre | Regina, Saskatchewan
  •  May 2 | Bell MTS Place | Winnipeg, Manitoba
  •  May 5 | Budweiser Gardens | London, Ontario
  •  May 7 | Tribute Communities Centre | Oshawa, Ontario
  •  May 8 | Canadian Tire Centre | Ottawa, Ontario
  •  May 9 | Bell Centre | Montreal, Quebec

Featuring Randy Rogers Band and Parker McCollum

  •  Feb. 6 | Sprint Center | Kansas City, Mo
  •  Feb. 7 | BOK Center | Tulsa, Okla.
  •  Feb. 8 | American Airlines Center | Dallas, Texas

Featuring Lanco with additional support TBA

  •  Feb. 21 | Viejas Arena | San Diego, Calif.
  •  Feb. 27 | Save Mart Center | Fresno, Calif.

photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com

Lady Antebellum to Release New Album, “Ocean,” on Nov. 15 [Watch New Video for Title Track]

Lady Antebellum to Release New Album, “Ocean,” on Nov. 15 [Watch New Video for Title Track]

Posted on September 20, 2019

Lady Antebellum will release their eighth studio album, Ocean, on Nov. 15.

The 13-track offering, which was produced by first-time collaboration Dann Huff, features a number of top songwriters, including Ross Copperman, Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, busbee, Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz, Corey Crowder and more. Lady A’s Hillary Scott, Dave Haywood and Charles Kelley had a hand in writing seven of the tracks. The album’s “The Thing That Wrecks You” features a collaboration with Little Big Town.

“There’s this theme of returning to the core of who we are—as writers, vocalists and people—that came out in each of these songs,” says Dave. “Our time in the studio with Dann had an excitement that felt like we were making our first album all over again.”

“It’s such a cinematic and theatrical melody that really tied together our standpoint of this record as a whole,” says Hillary. “Ocean stands for all of the things that we think and feel when we hear the word. Its parallel with those feelings much like the songs about barely keeping your head above water and others that make you feel like everything is smooth sailing.”

The album’s lead single, “What If I Never Get Over You,” is currently No. 15 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 18 weeks. Lady A also released a new video for the album’s title track on Sept 20, which you can watch below.

Ocean Track Listing & Songwriters

1. “What If I Never Get Over You” (Sam Ellis, Jon Green, Ryan Hurd, Laura Veltz)
2. “Pictures” (Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Sarah Buxton, Corey Crowder)
3. “Crazy Love” (Charles Kelley, Nathan Chapman)
4. “You Can Do You” (Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Corey Crowder, Jordan Schmidt)
5. “What I’m Leaving For” (Sam Ellis, Micah Premnath, Laura Veltz)
6. “Be Patient With My Love” (Charles Kelley, Dave Barnes, Ben West)
7. “Alright” (Dave Haywood, Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, Busbee, Justin Ebach)
8. “Let It Be Love” (Hillary Scott, Jordan Reynolds, Amy Wadge)
9. “On A Night Like This” (Dave Barnes)
10. “Boots” (Charles Kelley, Ross Copperman)
11. “The Thing That Wrecks You” feat. Little Big Town (Daniel Tashian, Tenille Townes, Kate York)
12. “Mansion” (Chris DeStefano, Hillary Lindsey, Josh Miller)
13. “Ocean” (Tofer Brown, Sarah Buxton, Abe Stoklasa)

photo by NCD

New George Strait T-Shirt to Benefit Hurricane Relief Efforts

New George Strait T-Shirt to Benefit Hurricane Relief Efforts

Posted on September 20, 2019

George Strait has teamed with Discovery Land Company Foundation to create a themed t-shirt to support Hurricane Dorian relief efforts in the Bahamas.

All proceeds from the shirt—which costs $20—will benefit the Abaco Relief Fund, which the Foundation created to “assist with the immediate disaster relief needs of Bahamian citizens, including water, shelter, medical needs, and the recovery of the community.”

The t-shirt features a play on George’s chart-topping song, “Ocean Front Property,” with the colors of the Bahamian flag. The t-shirt is available for pre-order now through Oct. 19, with shipments going out the week of Nov. 4.

photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com

Vince’s View: SEC score predictions on Vols/Gators and 8 more games

Vince’s View: SEC score predictions on Vols/Gators and 8 more games

Posted on September 19, 2019
Defense
Auburn Football Tulane at Auburn on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2019 in Auburn, Ala.
Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports

Each season I predict SEC games here on my blog, “Vince’s View.”

These are straight-up picks. The point spreads are just for some context of who the favorites are. I will list broadcast information all season as well.

Below are my predictions for Week 4 of the college football season. I’ve skipped analysis on the FCS opponents.

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 3 Prediction Record: 10-1 (91%)
2019 Game Prediction Record: 32-5 (86%)

SEC WEEK 4 SCHEDULE

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21
Southern Miss (2-1) at #2 Alabama (3-0, 1-0 SEC)
Tuscaloosa, Ala. • Bryant-Denny Stadium (101,821)
12 p.m. ET • ESPN2
Series: UA leads, 34-6-2
Sirius: 81 • XM: 81
Line: Alabama -38 ½
Vince’s View: Alabama is 55th in the nation in rushing offense? Really? Bama should look to put the game away early and work on that run game.
Score Prediction: Alabama 49 Southern Miss 10

Tennessee (1-2, 0-0 SEC) at #9 Florida (3-0, 1-0 SEC)
Gainesville, Fla. • Ben Hill Griffin Stadium at Steve Spurrier-Florida Field (88,548)
12 p.m. ET • ESPN
Series: UF leads, 28-20
Last: UF, 47-21 (2018 in Knoxville)
Sirius: 119 • XM: 191
Line: Florida -14
Vince’s View: Yes, Tennessee has a chance in this game. Florida has shown some vulnerabilities. I don’t think the Gators are as close to Georgia as some believe. Two key defenders, Jabari Zuniga and CJ Henderson are questionable. UF is not deep to begin with. That being said, I think Kyle Trask improves the Gators offense. I think UT’s confidence is still fragile. I worry about a lot of the young players handling the road environment (except To’oto’o and Gray) that will be hostile. Has this team fixed all its alignment and assignment errors? QB Jarrett Guarantano needs to play like he was expected to entering the season. With all the complex looks and pressures UF DC Todd Grantham will throw at him, I need to see it first.
Score Prediction: Florida 31 Tennessee 13

#4 LSU (3-0, 0-0 SEC) at Vanderbilt (0-2, 0-1 SEC)
Nashville, Tenn. • Vanderbilt Stadium (40,350)
12 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Series: LSU leads, 22-7-1
Last: LSU, 27-3 (2010 in Nashville)
Sirius: 106/133 • XM: 192/190
Line: LSU -24
Vince’s View: LSU ranking 105th in the nation in rushing offense is stunning. Maybe that’s a by product of wanting to establish the new wide open passing game, but they better work on it, so it’s there when needed down the road. Maybe the 126th ranked defense in the country will present LSU that opportunity.
Score Prediction: LSU 48 Vanderbilt 17

#23 California (3-0) at Ole Miss (2-1, 1-0 SEC)
Oxford, Miss. • Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (64,038)
12 p.m. ET • ESPNU
Series: CAL leads, 1-0
Sirius: 121 • XM: 207
Line: Ole Miss -2 ½
Vince’s View: Who knew that Cal would be about defense and running the football. It’s working. Ole Miss is much improved on defense, but still have a lot of work to do in Rich Rod’s offense.
Score Prediction: Cal 27 Ole Miss 24

#8 Auburn (3-0, 0-0 SEC) at #17 Texas A&M (2-1, 0-0 SEC)
College Station, Texas • Kyle Field (102,733)
3:30 p.m. ET • CBS
Series: A&M leads, 5-4
Last: AU, 28-24 (2018 in Auburn)
Sirius: 81/133 • XM: 81/190
Line: Texas A&M -3 ½
Vince’s View: What a huge and intriguing game this is. Both teams have different strengths and brutal schedules. Both can ill-afford to drop this game with what lies ahead. I give the Auburn defensive line will be the difference to close out the road win for the Tigers.
Score Prediction: Auburn 31 Texas A&M 27

Kentucky (2-1, 0-1 SEC) at Mississippi State (2-1, 0-0 SEC)
Starkville, Miss. • Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field (61,337)
3 p.m. CT • SEC Network
Series: Tied 23-23
Last: UK, 28-7 (2018 in Lexington)
Sirius: 106/119 • XM: 192/191
Line: Mississippi State -6
Vince’s View: I’ve been underwhelmed by Miss State so far relative to my expectations. UK may have the advantage at the line of scrimmage and that will help Kentucky bounce back after the brutal home loss to Florida last week.
Score Prediction: Kentucky 20 Miss State 16

South Carolina (1-2, 0-1 SEC) at Missouri (2-1, 0-0 SEC)
Columbia, Mo. • Faurot Field (62,621)
4 p.m. ET • SEC Network Alternate Channel
Series: SC leads, 5-4
Last: SC, 37-35 (2018 in Columbia, S.C.)
Sirius: 105 • XM: 201
Line: Missouri -9 ½
Vince’s View: I like Ryan Hilinski at QB for South Carolina. The Gamecocks had opportunities against Alabama last week. Missouri though, has weapons on offense and an opportunistic defense. Tigers win a close game.
Score Prediction: Missouri 35 South Carolina 31

San Jose State (1-1) at Arkansas (2-1, 0-1 SEC)
Fayetteville, Ark. • Reynolds Razorback Stadium (76,000)
7:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Series: First Meeting
Sirius: 133 • XM: 190
Line: Arkansas -20 ½
Vince’s View: Arkansas at least has shown some life and some improvement over a year ago, even though it has a long way to go. San Jose State is coming off a bye, but it shouldn’t be enough of a challenge to win at Arkansas.
Score Prediction: Arkansas 35 San Jose State 13

#7 Notre Dame (2-0) at #3 Georgia (3-0, 1-0 SEC)
Athens, Ga. • Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium (92,746)
8 p.m. ET • CBS
Series: UGA leads 2-0
Sirius: 84 • XM: 84
Line: Georgia -14 ½
Vince’s View: I don’t think this game will go much better for Notre Dane than the playoff loss to Clemson did. Georgia is too complete, nasty at the line of scrimmage and fast. Georgia is too deep and talented for the Irish.
Score Prediction: Georgia 31 Notre Dame 10

Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net

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