Dolly Parton kicked off the holiday season with her annual Smoky Mountain Christmas celebration at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., on Nov. 9.
In addition to a performances by Dolly with her brother Randy and several nieces, Dolly opened the park’s newest expansion, Glacier Ridge, a “frosted version of the Smoky Mountains” that features a 50-foot-tall animated Christmas tree, a walk-through version of the Northern Lights and a variety of other light shows set to classic holiday tunes. Glacier Ridge pushes the park’s total count to more than 5 million twinkling lights.
“Christmas is so important to me for so many reasons,” says Dolly. “I’m so thankful that it’s a time when our family comes together to share stories, remember old times, and make new memories we’ll take with us through the next year and beyond. There’s a lot of laughin’ and a whole lot of love when we all get together. I want those folks who come to experience Christmas with us at Dollywood to feel like they’re part of the family, making those memories and sharing those special times. I know the fun they’ll find in Glacier Ridge will help them create brand new memories and traditions.”
Most of Dollywood’s signature rides and attractions also operate in this merry environment, with rides racing along just above the 5 million twinkling lights.
Smoky Mountain Christmas is open now through Jan. 5, 2019.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee redshirt junior outside linebacker Darrell Taylor added another defensive player of the week award on Tuesday when he was named the Chuck Bednarik National Player of the Week by the Maxwell Football Club.
Taylor adds the Bednarik honor to the Walter Camp Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors he received on Monday. The Waverly, Va., native also was named the ADT Defensive Player of the Week by CBS Sports on Sunday.
Taylor’s honors come as no surprise after the Vols’ edge rusher terrorized No. 11 Kentucky on Saturday with a career-high four sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery and seven tackles overall in leading Tennessee to a 24-7 victory inside Neyland Stadium.
Taylor is the first Vol to win the Bednarik Player of the Week award since Derek Barnett on Sept. 29, 2016.
Taylor’s four-sack performance is tied for the highest total by an FBS player this season and it marks the third four-sack game in Tennessee history (Reggie White, 1983; Corey Miller, 2013). He also had three sacks against Georgia earlier this fall.
Taylor’s seven sacks on the season are tied for sixth in the SEC and his three forced fumbles are tied for third in the league while his two fumbles recovered rank first in the SEC and 16th in the nation.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee basketball program wraps up its season-opening, three-game homestand on Tuesday, hosting Georgia Tech at Thompson-Boling Arena for a 9 p.m. ET tip.
ESPN2 will carry the broadcast on Tuesday night, which can also be streamed online through WatchESPN. Fans can also listen live on their local Vol Network affiliate to hear Bob Kesling and Bert Bertelkamp describing the action. Tickets are still available online at AllVols.com.
Tennessee (2-0) enters the season’s second week off an 87-65 victory over Louisiana last Friday night. For the second straight game, all five UT starters finished the game in double-digit scoring, led by junior Grant Williams’ 31 points on 11-of-15 shooting. As a unit, Tennessee’s first five of Jordan Bone, Jordan Bowden, Admiral Schofield, Kyle Alexander and Williams are averaging a combined 73.5 points per game through the first two outings of the season.
Those efforts from the starting unit have gotten UT off to a quick start offensively this season. Through two games, Tennessee has scored a combined 173 points, the most points by a Tennessee team through the first two games of the season since the 2011-12 campaign (177). Additionally, the Vols continue to share the rock effectively, averaging 25.0 assists per game compared to just a 9.0 apg clip for their opponents.
Tuesday’s showdown with Georgia Tech marks the final meeting of a four-game contract between the Vols and Yellow Jackets that began in 2015. Tennessee dropped the first game of the series that November, but has won each of the last two contests—81-58 in Knoxville in 2016 and 77-70 last season in Atlanta.
A WIN WOULD…
Tie Rick Barnes for 26th on the all-time wins list with legendary coach John Wooden (664).
Improve UT’s record vs. current members of the ACC to 110-99.
Give the Volunteers their fourth win over an ACC team during the last two seasons.
Move UT to 3-0 on the season heading into the NIT Season Tip-Off.
ABOUT GEORGIA TECH
There is plenty of history in this series, as these programs met annually from 1945-68 (Tech was a member of the SEC from 1932-64).
Georgia Tech opened its season last Friday night, running past Lamar 88-69 in Atlanta. Tech never trailed in the game and dished out 26 assists on 32 made baskets.
Four Yellow Jackets scored in double figures in the win, led by Brandon Alston’s 17 points.
The Yellow Jackets lost three of their top four scorers from last season, including first-round NBA Draft pick Josh Okogie (18.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg) and former ACC Defensive Player of the Year Ben Lammers (11.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 2.4 bpg).
Jose Alvarado (12.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.7 spg in 2017-18) is the team’s top returning player. The sophomore guard started all 25 games he played in before suffering a season-ending injury during conference play. Alvarado tallied 14 points on 6-of-12 shooting on Friday night against Lamar.
After sitting out last year due to transfer rules, former Vol guard Shembari Phillips eligible to compete this season for the Yellow Jackets. He got the start in Tech’s season-opener, scoring 10 points on 4-of-7 shooting to go with four rebounds and four assists.
GEORGIA CONNECTIONS
Tennessee also has produced two All-Americans who are Georgia natives: Reggie Johnson (Ellenwood) was a first-team All-American in 1979 and 1980; Dale Ellis (Marietta) was a first-team All-American in 1982 and 1983.
Third-year Vols assistant coach Desmond Oliver worked as an assistant at Tech rival UGA in Athens, Georgia, from 2004-09. He was on the Bulldogs staff when UGA won the 2008 SEC Tournament in Atlanta.
During Oliver’s time at UGA, the Bulldogs were 2-3 against the in-state rival Yellow Jackets.
SCHOFIELD, WILLIAMS NEARING 1,000-POINT MILESTONE
Senior wing Admiral Schofield and junior forward Grant Williams enter UT’s game against Georgia Tech less than 25 points away from eclipsing the 1,000-point mark for their careers.
A total of 48 Vols have accomplished that feat during their time on Rocky Top, with Robert Hubbs III being the most recent addition to the 1K Club in 2016-17.
Schofield (988 points) and Williams (977 points) could both reach the milestone on Tuesday night. The last time a UT duo achieved the feat in the same season was during the 2013-14 campaign, as eventual NBA Draft picks Jordan McRae (1,521 points) and Jarnell Stokes (1,129 points) joined the club while helping lead Tennessee to a Sweet Sixteen appearance.
All-time, UT has had 10 duos reach 1,000 points in the same season, including Ernie Grunfeld and Bernard King in 1975-76.
Along with this year’s All-SEC duo, junior guard Lamonté Turner also could surpass 1,000 career points this season. At 644 career points, the 2018 SEC Co-Sixth Man of the Year needs just 356 points to reach 1,000. Last year, Turner finished the season with 381 points. If all three were to eclipse the mark, it would mark the first time a Tennessee trio has done so in the same year.
BARNES APPROACHING JOHN WOODEN’S CAREER WINS TOTAL
Rick Barnes owns 663 Division I wins in his 32 seasons as a head coach. Legendary UCLA coach John Wooden totaled 664 victories during his 29-year career.
Barnes needs only two more wins to ascend past Wooden into 26th place on the all-time D-I wins list.
PICK YOUR POISON
Tennessee’s roster features five different players who have multiple 20-point games during their careers.
So far this season, UT’s starting five has eclipsed the double-digit scoring margin for both games.
UP NEXT: NIT SEASON TIP-OFF
Tennessee heads to New York City for the NIT Season Tip-Off next week. The Vols open their stay in the Big Apple with a showdown against Louisville on Wednesday, Nov. 21.
UT will play again on Nov. 23, facing either No. 1 Kansas or Marquette.
Tennessee last appeared in the NIT Season Tip-Off in November 2010. That year, the Vols walked away as champions after defeating VCU in the semifinals and Villanova in the title game.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee football team returned to the practice at Haslam Field Monday, coming off of its second win over a ranked opponent this season.
Head coach Jeremy Pruitt, who became the first Tennessee head coach to defeat two ranked teams in his first season since Phillip Fulmer in 1993, reflected on the win over Kentucky and looked ahead to Saturday’s home finale against Missouri (3:30 p.m., CBS).
“We are playing against a really good football team,” Pruitt said. “They are very well coached and balanced offensively. It starts with their quarterback and up front they have a lot of experience.
“Missouri has really good tight ends and playmakers on the outside. They also play multiple running backs, take care of the football and make explosive plays. Defensively, they have been good against the run. They have good pass rushers and they give you multiple looks defensively.”
Standing out in Tennessee’s 24-7 win over the Wildcats was redshirt junior linebacker Darrell Taylor, who recorded four sacks. Taylor’s four-sack game was just the third performance of that variety in Tennessee history, as the Waverly, Va. native joined Reggie White (1983 vs. The Citadel) and Corey Miller (2013 at Kentucky).
For his showing, Taylor was named Walter Camp National FBS Defensive Player of the Week and SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
“Darrell has ability,” Pruitt said. “We’ve been harping on him all year about consistency. He’s learning a new scheme and he’s got a lot thrown at him just like the other guys and he’s going to continue to improve in the duration of his career.”
Tennessee’s defense had a successful day as a whole, as well. The Vols held Kentucky to just seven points, the fewest points that a Tennessee team has allowed to an SEC opponent since 2008.
Senior Day
Tennessee will honor 13 seniors during its Senior Day festivities prior to Saturday’s game.
“If you look back there are some really good times for this group and some times they probably wish they had back,” Pruitt said. “In the last 11 months, these guys have really bought in and they have really tried to do what we’ve asked them to and we are thankful for that.
“Hopefully some of these guys behind them can follow their lead and the expectations and standards of how they went about their business.”
Injury Update
Pruitt said Monday that freshman defensive back Trevon Flowers should be back for the home matchup against Missouri. Flowers suffered a collarbone injury earlier this season.
Tickets Still Available
Tickets remain available for Saturday’s game versus Missouri at AllVols.com.
Tennessee Football Player Quotes (Nov. 12)
Junior Defensive Back Baylen Buchanan
On the defense’s performance against Kentucky:
“We knew we had to come in and execute. We knew it was going to be a physical game and we had to basically out-physical them and execute, and we did.”
On Drew Lock and what makes him tough to defend:
“He’s really talented. He knows how to get the ball to his players, they have a good RPO game as well. He’s a great athlete so we just have to do what we need to do to slow him down.”
On how much making a bowl game means to this team:
“After last year, it means a lot, especially to the players that were here last year. We know what it feels like to not go to a bowl game, but we’re just going to take it one game at a time and hopefully we make that goal.”
On Missouri’s running game:
“Every week it’s going to be about us. So were just going to have to get into the media rooms, figure out the game plans and just execute. When we’re playing at our best, I feel like we can stop anyone in this conference.”
Redshirt Junior Tight End Eli Wolf
On if the offense feeds off Darrell Taylor’s energy on defense:
“Absolutely. Complimentary football. When the defense is playing well, and special teams are playing well, it bleeds through to all phases of the ball.”
On the motivation coming out of the Charlotte game to answer the challenges that Kentucky presented:
“The whole team, we all understood where we were at after the Charlotte game and it’s not where we wanted to be as a team, and it’s going to take a lot more to win in the SEC.”
On how much this program has changed since they last played Missouri:
“Schematically, I would say there’s a lot that has changed. Myself, just confidence. I’ve started to understand what it takes giving week-in and week-out. I think other people are gaining a little bit of confidence in themselves, because we do have a pretty young team, and confidence is a big part.”
Senior Defensive End Kyle Phillips
On the journey of his senior class during his time here:
“Man, this class is one to remember for sure. We’ve been through a lot. A lot of coaching changes, a lot of good ups and downs. I’m glad to end on a positive note going into my last game at Neyland. We just came off a big win versus Kentucky, so we’re just very excited about the program and the future it holds.”
On his emotions playing his last game at Neyland Stadium:
“They’ll definitely be high. A lot of things have gone on and being able to play there one last time is just a privilege. All the greats that have played here, great things that the Tennessee football program has done, it’s just amazing to be on the field every Saturday and knowing this is my last game makes it even more special.”
On playing a full 60-minute game and how much of a priority that is for him:
“We played a great game on Saturday, but still there were a lot of mistakes, a lot of turnovers that we had that we’ve got to correct, and just mental mistakes. We have to make sure we clean that up moving forward for these last two games, so we can get to a bowl game.”
Junior Wide Receiver Marquez Callaway
On the development of Jarrett Guarantano:
“He has a big confidence boost. He has a lot more confidence than he used to. I know the players and coaches are on him to make sure he’s perfect. I know he strives to be perfect, but we try to help him any way we can, so his confidence level is boosted extremely.”
On developing consistency:
“I think we should lock in more, I think we should watch more film than we used to and have more consistency at practice. I think that’s what we lack on offense is, some days we’ll be great on offense and some days we’ll go three-and-out just like that. I think if we’re more consistent and execute more we’ll become a better offense. “
On if he felt he had more time to get open against Kentucky:
“Coach always tells us to run our routes as fast as we can, because the quarterback is always going through a lot. We try to help out where we can, and I know the line tries to do what they can. This week I know the line had a lot more on their plate and I think coaches challenged them a lot this past week in practice. I think they took on the challenge.”
Redshirt Sophomore Offensive Lineman Ryan Johnson
On keeping the home win streak against Kentucky alive:
“A win is always fun, especially at home. We had a great fan base out there. It was a really energetic game and it’s always great to have another win, so we’re going to focus on next week and try to get another one.”
On the confidence boost for the offensive line:
“I think we made a lot of steps forward as an offensive line and an offensive unit as a whole. There are still some things we have to work on, but we’re going to keep on working on our duty and protect the quarterback, block for the running backs and just keep doing our job day in and day out.”
On his thoughts on Missouri going into Saturday’s game:
“They’re good players, they’re solid players and they’re well-coached. But we’re good players, solid players and well-coached, so we’re going to watch the film and study their plays. We’re going to focus on what we do and focus on us. This game is about us, just like every other game has been and we’re going to focus on improving us and doing our job.”
Redshirt Junior Defensive Lineman Darrell Taylor
On developing consistency in his game:
“I think I just need to focus on the little things, studying film, practicing the way I’m supposed to practice and things like that. “
On what the team did schematically to open up his game:
“I think we rushed a lot and it gave up a lot of opportunities to make plays. Our coaches were making some great calls out there and we had fun along the way.”
On being the spark for the defensive line:
“I love it man, it’s fun. It’s fun being happy when someone is down and bringing them up for practice. I think it’s fun being that guy.”
Opening Statement:
“I thought for the first time this year that our guys played with good effort throughout the game. We didn’t always execute like we would like to, and we definitely didn’t finish the game the way you want to. We had two fumbles in the fourth quarter and had a chance to finish the game and we didn’t. Luckily, we got some turnovers on defense, but there are lots of positives, but there’s a lot of things we can learn from and we need to improve on to get better this week.
“We are playing against a really good football team. These guys [Missouri] are 6-4 and really with the rain game against South Carolina where they had a pretty good lead and if they don’t get two penalties against Kentucky, they are probably 8-2 and they have played the two best teams in our league in Alabama and Georgia better than the rest of us. They are very well coached and balanced offensively. It starts with their quarterback and upfront they have a lot of experience. Missouri has really good tight ends and playmakers on the outside. They also play multiple running backs, take care of the football and make explosive plays. Defensively, they have been good against the run. They have good pass rushers and they give you multiple looks defensively. They have good guys on special teams, good specialists and good returners.
“We need to improve this week, eliminate mistakes from Saturday and eliminate negative plays offensively. We need to create explosive plays and hopefully find something in the run game. Defensively, we need to find some way to affect the quarterback. We have to able to stop the run against these guys and get off the field and hopefully we can create something positive on special teams.”
On Saturday being Senior Day:
“I think the seniors we have, most of them have graduated, and the few that have not are graduating this semester. That is why they came here is to get a degree. If you look back there are some really good times for this group and some times they probably wish they had back. In the last 11 months, these guys have really bought in and they have really tried to do what we’ve asked them to and we are thankful for that. Hopefully some of these guys behind them can follow their lead and the expectations and standards of how they went about their business.”
On discipline after the win against Kentucky:
“We have done a lot of things that a good football team doesn’t do during the game. We had a penalty after a touchdown, we turned the ball over in the fourth quarter and we intercept the ball and pitch it on the ground with a 17-point lead with two minutes to go in the game. We have to learn how to win to give ourselves a chance to win. We have to know how to handle it and those are some lessons we can learn from that.”
On setting a foundation:
“When you look at the big picture that is a big deal, but we are focused on trying to improve today and learn from the mistakes we made Saturday. Hopefully, we won’t make them again and focus on Missouri to find a way to play our best football.”
On what he saw on film:
“Defensively, I thought we did a really good job of keeping the quarterback in the pocket. We kept him from creating some big plays in the passing game and we kept our edges. We weren’t perfect by any means. We made a lot of mistakes in the game that we need to correct. We can’t continue to make mistakes. I do think our guys played hard defensively. We probably tackled a little better than we had in the past.
“Offensively, there are still a lot of negative plays. There’s plays that, whether we didn’t have the right splits at the receiver or maybe we’re pulling to a backer and he runs through and we don’t have eyes on him. So, there’s a chance we could’ve had maybe a 15-yard play and we got minus four. The quarterback works the wrong side of the field, we didn’t high-point a football, ball security. There’s lots of things. We had some penalties. We had plenty of things that we need to improve on, I can assure you.”
On Bryce Thompson’s injury:
“He got his bell rung. I’m not a doctor, so he’ll go through the standard precautionary deals. He came in and saw me today and he’s fine, so we’ll see.”
On Darrell Taylor’s performance:
“Well, twice they didn’t block him. When they don’t block you, you need to sack the quarterback. The other two times, we had them in long-yardage situations and I think that helped. It helped with them being behind the sticks. I think some of it had to do with not having explosive plays and having a little more ability to stop the run, to put them in some long-yardage situations. It’s much easier to rush the quarterback when they’re one-dimensional.
“Darrell has ability. We’ve been harping on him all year about consistency. He’s learning a new scheme and he’s got a lot thrown at him just like the other guys and he’s going to continue to improve in the duration of his career.”
On if there’s a difference between Darrell Taylor with his hand on the ground or standing up to rush the quarterback:
“No. It’s interesting, though. We play 3-4 (defense) and we stand up and then we play 4-3 (defense), so it depends on the plays that they run. Some of it depends on how comfortable our players are in a stance. We want them to play in a stance that they can be the most productive at, depending on the plays.”
On how they can get the offensive line to be more consistent:
“Not having mental errors, to start with. Some of it is being in the right run of looks. If they have four guys and we have three to block them, that’s not a good look. We don’t need to be running plays into that. There was times Saturday where we got some push and we finished and there was times where we didn’t. Some of it has to do with the backs hitting the holes. The thing about offense, one guy can have a breakdown and it affects the other 10 guys. Defensively, 10 guys can have a breakdown and if you have one guy that can erase that, it can make up for it sometimes. There’s two different sides of the ball there.”
On practice translating to the game and if he knows what he’s going to get come game day:
“No, I don’t think so. I think when you practice the right way and you create the right habits, you do that over a long period of time. You’ve watched us play over the last 10 games. We’ve been really different in all 10 of those games. Some of them we’ve played the right way for certain periods of time, some of them we haven’t. We’re looking to be able to play the right way for 60 minutes. We’re still searching for a four-quarter game.”
On the physicality at the line of scrimmage during the Kentucky game:
“I think our guys are…Some of this is about learning to strain and create the right habits and doing it over and over. I don’t think there’s any team in the country that goes out there and doesn’t want to be physical. Sometimes, the way the other team plays can change the way you think. I thought our guys played the right way from that standpoint. We need to execute a little better on both sides of the ball and I think if we continue to do, that’s something to build off of.”
On how much the extra practice would help if Tennessee were to be bowl eligible:
“The only way you can get better at something is to repeatedly do it over and over, so you get extra practices, you get an extra game. So, I think if you go about your business the right way and work hard during those practices, you have a chance to improve.”
On what Drew Lock has done to help Missouri turn it around:
“Well, just watching him, with the exception of I think Kentucky and Alabama, they’ve scored 29 or more points every game. I don’t know what kind of rough start you’re referring to, but they’ve been pretty productive offensively.”
On Missouri’s offense:
“They’re very balanced offensively. I think Derek’s [Dooley] done a fantastic job with what they’re doing offensively. They’ve been able to run the ball. They’ve been committed to it. Done a really nice job protecting the quarterback and they have lots of experience up front. They have big men, have a good scheme so we’re going to have to play well to have a chance.”
On what’s the first thing he wants to learn about an opposing offense:
“You want to know who they are, what kind of personnels do they play with, what’s their best plays, how do they create explosive plays, who’s their best playmakers. I think that’s what you have to do with everybody. What personnel are they putting in the most? So, you have to know where to spend most of your practice. How do you create negative plays? We have a system we go through weekly of whether it’s their base plays, it’s second and seven plus, it’s red areas, third downs, short yardage, goal line, two minute, two-point plays, four minute get the ball back. So, you kind of have your scenarios that you go through and what did they do. That’s it.”
On his relationship with Derek Dooley:
“I’ve never worked with Derek. We both worked for Coach [Nick] Saban at different times. I know that some of the guys I’ve worked with have a whole lot of respect for him, what kind of coach that he’s been when they worked with him on the staff. I’m watching what they’re doing offensively and they’re doing a really good job. They’re physical in the run game. They protect the quarterback. They create explosive plays. They give you multiple looks. So, it’ll be a tremendous challenge for us.”
On Tennessee’s secondary on Saturday:
“Well, we need to clean up technique in the back end. There’s probably several times maybe there was guys open Saturday, but we had some good pass rush. We need to clean up back there. It was good getting Micah [Abernathy] back and I think we’ll have Trevon [Flowers] back this week so gives a little more competition back there, a little more depth which makes everybody better. It should help with some on special teams. We just have to work on fundamentals and continuing to improve and play the ball, keep them cut off.”
Opening Statement:
“I thought for the first time this year that our guys played with good effort throughout the game. We didn’t always execute like we would like to, and we definitely didn’t finish the game the way you want to. We had two fumbles in the fourth quarter and had a chance to finish the game and we didn’t. Luckily, we got some turnovers on defense, but there are lots of positives, but there’s a lot of things we can learn from and we need to improve on to get better this week.
“We are playing against a really good football team. These guys [Missouri] are 6-4 and really with the rain game against South Carolina where they had a pretty good lead and if they don’t get two penalties against Kentucky, they are probably 8-2 and they have played the two best teams in our league in Alabama and Georgia better than the rest of us. They are very well coached and balanced offensively. It starts with their quarterback and upfront they have a lot of experience. Missouri has really good tight ends and playmakers on the outside. They also play multiple running backs, take care of the football and make explosive plays. Defensively, they have been good against the run. They have good pass rushers and they give you multiple looks defensively. They have good guys on special teams, good specialists and good returners.
“We need to improve this week, eliminate mistakes from Saturday and eliminate negative plays offensively. We need to create explosive plays and hopefully find something in the run game. Defensively, we need to find some way to affect the quarterback. We have to able to stop the run against these guys and get off the field and hopefully we can create something positive on special teams.”
On Saturday being Senior Day:
“I think the seniors we have, most of them have graduated, and the few that have not are graduating this semester. That is why they came here is to get a degree. If you look back there are some really good times for this group and some times they probably wish they had back. In the last 11 months, these guys have really bought in and they have really tried to do what we’ve asked them to and we are thankful for that. Hopefully some of these guys behind them can follow their lead and the expectations and standards of how they went about their business.”
On discipline after the win against Kentucky:
“We have done a lot of things that a good football team doesn’t do during the game. We had a penalty after a touchdown, we turned the ball over in the fourth quarter and we intercept the ball and pitch it on the ground with a 17-point lead with two minutes to go in the game. We have to learn how to win to give ourselves a chance to win. We have to know how to handle it and those are some lessons we can learn from that.”
On setting a foundation:
“When you look at the big picture that is a big deal, but we are focused on trying to improve today and learn from the mistakes we made Saturday. Hopefully, we won’t make them again and focus on Missouri to find a way to play our best football.”
On what he saw on film:
“Defensively, I thought we did a really good job of keeping the quarterback in the pocket. We kept him from creating some big plays in the passing game and we kept our edges. We weren’t perfect by any means. We made a lot of mistakes in the game that we need to correct. We can’t continue to make mistakes. I do think our guys played hard defensively. We probably tackled a little better than we had in the past.
“Offensively, there are still a lot of negative plays. There’s plays that, whether we didn’t have the right splits at the receiver or maybe we’re pulling to a backer and he runs through and we don’t have eyes on him. So, there’s a chance we could’ve had maybe a 15-yard play and we got minus four. The quarterback works the wrong side of the field, we didn’t high-point a football, ball security. There’s lots of things. We had some penalties. We had plenty of things that we need to improve on, I can assure you.”
On Bryce Thompson’s injury:
“He got his bell rung. I’m not a doctor, so he’ll go through the standard precautionary deals. He came in and saw me today and he’s fine, so we’ll see.”
On Darrell Taylor’s performance:
“Well, twice they didn’t block him. When they don’t block you, you need to sack the quarterback. The other two times, we had them in long-yardage situations and I think that helped. It helped with them being behind the sticks. I think some of it had to do with not having explosive plays and having a little more ability to stop the run, to put them in some long-yardage situations. It’s much easier to rush the quarterback when they’re one-dimensional.
“Darrell has ability. We’ve been harping on him all year about consistency. He’s learning a new scheme and he’s got a lot thrown at him just like the other guys and he’s going to continue to improve in the duration of his career.”
On if there’s a difference between Darrell Taylor with his hand on the ground or standing up to rush the quarterback:
“No. It’s interesting, though. We play 3-4 (defense) and we stand up and then we play 4-3 (defense), so it depends on the plays that they run. Some of it depends on how comfortable our players are in a stance. We want them to play in a stance that they can be the most productive at, depending on the plays.”
On how they can get the offensive line to be more consistent:
“Not having mental errors, to start with. Some of it is being in the right run of looks. If they have four guys and we have three to block them, that’s not a good look. We don’t need to be running plays into that. There was times Saturday where we got some push and we finished and there was times where we didn’t. Some of it has to do with the backs hitting the holes. The thing about offense, one guy can have a breakdown and it affects the other 10 guys. Defensively, 10 guys can have a breakdown and if you have one guy that can erase that, it can make up for it sometimes. There’s two different sides of the ball there.”
On practice translating to the game and if he knows what he’s going to get come game day:
“No, I don’t think so. I think when you practice the right way and you create the right habits, you do that over a long period of time. You’ve watched us play over the last 10 games. We’ve been really different in all 10 of those games. Some of them we’ve played the right way for certain periods of time, some of them we haven’t. We’re looking to be able to play the right way for 60 minutes. We’re still searching for a four-quarter game.”
On the physicality at the line of scrimmage during the Kentucky game:
“I think our guys are…Some of this is about learning to strain and create the right habits and doing it over and over. I don’t think there’s any team in the country that goes out there and doesn’t want to be physical. Sometimes, the way the other team plays can change the way you think. I thought our guys played the right way from that standpoint. We need to execute a little better on both sides of the ball and I think if we continue to do, that’s something to build off of.”
On how much the extra practice would help if Tennessee were to be bowl eligible:
“The only way you can get better at something is to repeatedly do it over and over, so you get extra practices, you get an extra game. So, I think if you go about your business the right way and work hard during those practices, you have a chance to improve.”
On what Drew Lock has done to help Missouri turn it around:
“Well, just watching him, with the exception of I think Kentucky and Alabama, they’ve scored 29 or more points every game. I don’t know what kind of rough start you’re referring to, but they’ve been pretty productive offensively.”
On Missouri’s offense:
“They’re very balanced offensively. I think Derek’s [Dooley] done a fantastic job with what they’re doing offensively. They’ve been able to run the ball. They’ve been committed to it. Done a really nice job protecting the quarterback and they have lots of experience up front. They have big men, have a good scheme so we’re going to have to play well to have a chance.”
On what’s the first thing he wants to learn about an opposing offense:
“You want to know who they are, what kind of personnels do they play with, what’s their best plays, how do they create explosive plays, who’s their best playmakers. I think that’s what you have to do with everybody. What personnel are they putting in the most? So, you have to know where to spend most of your practice. How do you create negative plays? We have a system we go through weekly of whether it’s their base plays, it’s second and seven plus, it’s red areas, third downs, short yardage, goal line, two minute, two-point plays, four minute get the ball back. So, you kind of have your scenarios that you go through and what did they do. That’s it.”
On his relationship with Derek Dooley:
“I’ve never worked with Derek. We both worked for Coach [Nick] Saban at different times. I know that some of the guys I’ve worked with have a whole lot of respect for him, what kind of coach that he’s been when they worked with him on the staff. I’m watching what they’re doing offensively and they’re doing a really good job. They’re physical in the run game. They protect the quarterback. They create explosive plays. They give you multiple looks. So, it’ll be a tremendous challenge for us.”
On Tennessee’s secondary on Saturday:
“Well, we need to clean up technique in the back end. There’s probably several times maybe there was guys open Saturday, but we had some good pass rush. We need to clean up back there. It was good getting Micah [Abernathy] back and I think we’ll have Trevon [Flowers] back this week so gives a little more competition back there, a little more depth which makes everybody better. It should help with some on special teams. We just have to work on fundamentals and continuing to improve and play the ball, keep them cut off.”
ATLANTA, Ga. — The Atlanta Tipoff Club has released the 50 names on the 2019 Women’s Citizen Naismith Trophy Watch List, and UT sophomores Rennia Davis and Evina Westbrook are among the candidates.
The midseason 30 team will be announced on Feb. 11, 2019, and then the competition will be narrowed down to 10 national semifinalists on March 4, 2019. The four finalists will be named on March 22, 2019, and the winner of the 2019 Citizen Naismith Trophy for Women’s Player of the Year will be announced on April 6, 2019.
Davis and Westbrook are the Lady Vols’ top-two returning players, with each earning SEC All-Freshman Team accolades in 2017-18 after entering the starting lineup on day one. Davis averaged 12.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per contest as a rookie, while Westbrook chipped in 8.4 points, 4.3 assists and 2.8 rebounds. They helped the Lady Vols to a 25-8 overall record and 11-5 mark in the SEC.
Westbrook is off to a fast start as a sophomore, pacing No. 11/12 Tennessee to a 97-49 season-opening victory over Presbyterian on Sunday with career highs of 20 points and seven steals to go along with five assists, four rebounds and a block. Davis was held out of the opener due to a foot injury, but she was good for 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and a pair of steals in the 128-59 exhibition win over Carson-Newman on Nov. 5. Westbrook had 11 points, eight assists and four steals in that contest.
“These 50 talented candidates are the ones to watch, and the competition for the 2019 Women’s Citizen Naismith Trophy will heat up as more players enter the competition throughout the season,” said Eric Oberman, executive director of the Atlanta Tipoff Club. “We are excited to watch these women play as they have another great year of college basketball ahead of them.”
Overall, 11 players on the Women’s Watch List represent the ACC, and the SEC is a close runner-up with 10 candidates included. Notre Dame, the 2018 NCAA Women’s Basketball Champion and a program looking for a second Women’s Citizen Naismith Trophy win, leads the pack with five players appearing on the Watch List, followed by UConn, which has won more Citizen Naismith Trophies (10) than any other school and Baylor and Oregon with three candidates apiece.
“The Citizen Naismith Trophy celebrates the accomplishments of student-athletes who demonstrate through their play the inner drive and passion that mirrors that of our company’s founding members,” said Eric Horowitz, managing director U.S. and travel retail, Citizen Watch Company of America, Inc. “We are looking forward to watching these 50 talented women play this season as they compete for the Women’s Player of the Year honor.”
ABOUT THE ATLANTA TIPOFF CLUB
Founded during the 1956-57 season, the Atlanta Tipoff Club is committed to promoting the game of basketball and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of those who make the game so exciting. The Atlanta Tipoff Club administers the Naismith Awards, the most prestigious national honors in all of college and high school basketball. Named in honor of Dr. James Naismith, inventor of the game of basketball, the family of Naismith Awards annually recognizes the top men’s and women’s college and high school basketball players and coaches. Other Naismith Awards are presented to the men’s and women’s college basketball defensive players of the year, as well as lifetime achievement awards to basketball officials and outstanding contributors to the game. UCLA’s Lew Alcindor received the first Citizen Naismith Trophy in 1969, while the late Anne Donovan (Old Dominion) was the inaugural women’s recipient in 1983. Corporate partners of the Naismith Awards include the Citizen Watch Company, Werner Ladder and Bona.
ABOUT CITIZEN
Citizen, a pioneer in watchmaking and innovative technology since 1918, promotes excellence and creativity with a deep-rooted respect for craftsmanship. Citizen advocates “Better Starts Now,” searching for and accomplishing goals that are cause driven. In this respect, Citizen aligns with organizations and personalities that reflect the values of the brand including the Billie Jean King Leadership Initiative, Naismith Awards, National Merit Scholarship, and Good360.
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