ETSU, UTEP game times and broadcast info set

ETSU, UTEP game times and broadcast info set

Posted on May 31, 2018
UT Schedule 2018 / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After opening the season against West Virginia at 3:30 p.m.on CBS in the Belk College Kickoff in Charlotte, N.C., the Tennessee football team will return home to host ETSU and UTEP in a pair of afternoon games on the SEC Network.

ESPN announced its college football broadcast schedule for the first three weeks on Thursday.

Tennessee will welcome ETSU to Neyland Stadium on Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. before hosting UTEP at 12 p.m. on Sept. 15.

On Wednesday, CBS announced the first part of its broadcast schedule which included the Vols’ season-opening matchup with the Mountaineers as 2018’s first CBS “Game of the Week.”

The Vols will face the Buccaneers, led by first-year head coach Randy Sanders – a former UT player and assistant coach, for the first time in school history. The matchup with the Miners will be the third all-time and first since 1990. Tennessee will face West Virginia for the first time ever, as well.

Tennessee Weeks 1-3 Schedule
Sept. 1 vs. West Virginia (Belk College Kickoff)
3:30 p.m. | CBS | Bank of America Stadium | Charlotte. N.C.

Sept. 8 vs. ETSU
4 p.m. | SECN | Neyland Stadium | Knoxville, Tenn.

Sept. 15 vs. UTEP
12 p.m. | SECN | Neyland Stadium | Knoxville, Tenn.

-UT Athletics

 

Luke Combs Talks Releasing New Deluxe Album, Scoring 3 No. 1 Hits, Touring With Jason Aldean, Working Hard & More

Luke Combs Talks Releasing New Deluxe Album, Scoring 3 No. 1 Hits, Touring With Jason Aldean, Working Hard & More

Posted on May 31, 2018

Jim Casey talks with Luke Combs about:

  • his single, “One Number Away,” reaching No. 1
  • scoring three consecutive No. 1 singles
  • showing different sides of his artistry with his singles
  • using his live shows as a focus group
  • releasing his new deluxe album, This One’s For You Too
  • his love of songwriting
  • how his life has changed in the last two years
  • his “average Joe” mentality
  • working hard to achieve his dreams
  • touring with Jason Aldean on his High Noon Neon Tour

Participants:

  • Luke Combs
  • Jim Casey, NCD editor in chief

Jimmy’s blog: Fulmer says old meetings with football coaches like talking to Russians

Posted on May 31, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

The last time Phillip Fulmer attended the SEC spring meetings, he was Tennessee’s football coach.

That was a decade ago. And the atmosphere was considerably different then.

“The athletic director’s meetings are much more civil,’’ UT’s athletic director said Wednesday. “This is much different. There is a sense of cooperation and concern for the league.’’

That’s not the way it was when Fulmer was attending as UT’s head coach (1993-2008)

“It was like meeting with the Russians every year,’’ Fulmer said, smiling.

When someone told Fulmer that South Carolina coach Will Muschamp said he wouldn’t give UT coach Jeremy Pruitt any advice, Fulmer said: “Like I said, you’re visiting with the Russians.’’

All kidding aside, Fulmer seems comfortable in his AD’s hat. He already knew several of the athletic directors and most of the football coaches in the league.

In his group session with the media, he touched on a variety of topics, including whether SEC grad transfers should be immediately eligible at another SEC school.

“I see both sides,’’ Fulmer said. “In many cases there’s usually a reason they want to transfer. They could be unhappy. … If they’ve graduated and fulfilled their obligation, why would we say you can go to Michigan or Southern Cal or Florida State but you can’t go to a sister (SEC) school.’’

Fulmer was asked about UT football season tickets being down. As we reported recently, UT season ticket renewals ended with the total at about 61,000. When season tickets go on sale to the public, UT hopes it will increase to 65,000. Two years ago, UT sold over 72,000 season tickets, which is about the maximum, considering UT must hold back tickets for students (about 12,200) and opposing teams (9,500 in some cases) and recruits and their families.

Fulmer said he’d like to see it back to the old days, when season tickets were sold out before the season started.

“From the season we had last year (4-8),’’ Fulmer said, “even with the excitement that’s around Jeremy (Pruitt), I can see is being a little bit down. But there are also a lot of people that gave up their tickets 7-8 years ago that are back in the boat. So we’ll earn those tickets back.’’

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

“Ty, Kelly & Chuck” to Air Live From George Jones Museum During CMA Fest With Chris Janson, Lindsay Ell, Tegan Marie & More

“Ty, Kelly & Chuck” to Air Live From George Jones Museum During CMA Fest With Chris Janson, Lindsay Ell, Tegan Marie & More

Posted on May 31, 2018

Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, CMA Fest week (June 4–10) is Nashville’s nonstop country music party.

For all of those early birds, feel free to stop by morning show Ty, Kelly & Chuck as it airs live from The George Jones museum/restaurant on June 6–8 from 6–10 a.m.

Special guests will be making the rounds each morning, including Chris Janson, Lindsay Ell, Tegan Marie, Dylan Scott, Jordan Davis and more. Each morning’s live broadcast inside The George Jones is FREE and open to the public. Doors will open at 6 a.m. at 128 2nd Ave. North, directly in front of the CMA Fest Riverfront Stage.

No tickets are required, but please RSVP via the Ty, Kelly & Chuck Facebook page.

Check out the lineup below as additional guests continue to be announced.

Wednesday, June 6

  • Ashley McBryde
  • Dave Pettinger
  • Dylan Scott
  • Lindsay Ell
  • Tegan Marie
  • Jordan Davis

Thursday, June 7

  • Chris Janson
  • Haley & Michaels
  • Mitchell Tenpenny
  • Radio Romance
  • Travis Denning

Friday, June 8

  • Aaron Walson
  • Clare Dunn
  • Glen Mitchell
  • Levi Hummon

photos: Chris Janson by Curtis Hilbun; Tegan Marie & Lindsay Ell by Arroyo/O\’Connor/AFF-USA.com

Watch Keith Urban’s Surreal Journey in New Video for “Coming Home”

Watch Keith Urban’s Surreal Journey in New Video for “Coming Home”

Posted on May 31, 2018

Keith Urban dropped a new video for his current single, “Coming Home,” which features vocals from Julia Michaels.

The new clip, which was directed by Andy Hines, takes viewers on a surreal journey as Keith seamlessly moves through different settings—bedroom, field, house, cab—before ultimately ending up at a club where he watches himself perform with Julia.

“The concept for the video was really Andy Hines’ idea,” said Keith. “He suggested the heightened reality that we see in the video, which keeps it more like a dream—an idea, more than an actuality. It was also important to have Julia there—she’s great energy to be around and I love singing with her, so I wanted us to be onstage at the same time to capture that.”

Keith tiptoed through hallowed ground when he decided to record and release, “Coming Home,” a tune that features a riff from one of country music’s most sacred songs, Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried.” Even though Keith reached out to Merle’s widow, Theresa Haggard, and son, Ben, to secure their blessings, he was still nervous about releasing the tune.

“I was very much [nervous] . . . I didn’t want to just shove [the riff] into a song,” said Keith. “A lot of times when you hear a sample [from another song], it’s just kind of shoved into the middle of a song as it is, and I wanted something a little bit more artistic with it. J.R. Rotem, who co-wrote ‘Coming Home’ and co-produced it, he took the sample from the original recording of ‘Mama Tried,’ and then manipulated it a bit and wrote these chords around it. When he had done that and I sat in the studio and listened to the music, I just . . . I wrote that chorus out, almost stream of conscious. But, it was really that lick from Merle that made me miss home, think about home, growing up in Australia—all of it just came flooding back and it was that riff that triggered it, so it was a really important part of the song for me.”

“Coming Home,” which was co-penned by Keith, J.R. Rotem, Julia Michaels, Nicolle Galyon and Merle Haggard, is currently No. 12 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart after 10 weeks.

Watch Keith’s new video below.

photo by Jason Simanek

Jimmy’s blog: Warlick to get contract extension soon

Jimmy’s blog: Warlick to get contract extension soon

Posted on May 31, 2018

By Jimmy Hyams

SANDESTIN, Fla. – Look for Tennessee to announce a contract extension soon for Lady Vols coach Holly Warlick.

Warlick, who just completed her sixth year as UT’s head coach, has one year left on her current deal.

Asked if UT was close to an agreement or announcement of Warlick’s contract, Tennessee athletic director Phillip Fulmer on Wednesday said: “Yep we’re close …. And we should have something pretty soon.’’

Warlick was asked if she had an agreement in principle.

“I think we do,’’ said the former Lady Vols All-American player. “We’re just trying to work through a couple of things within the contract.

“Coach Fulmer has been extremely honest and I appreciate that. And he publicly stated he wants to give me an extension and I think that will happen.’’

Does she think it will happen soon?

“I do, I do,’’ she said.

Two key components of the contract are the years and the buyout.

It’s likely that Warlick will get at least a two-year extension.

If so, what’s the buyout?

Since 2004, Tennessee has paid over $26 million in buyouts to coaches and athletic directors.

Given that fact, you would think UT would careful with the buyout language regarding Warlick.

While Warlick has an impressive won-loss record, the standard for the Lady Vols is high.

Tennessee hasn’t been to the Final Four in 10 years – by far the longest drought in program history, going back to the AIAW days in the 1970s.

Tennessee also hasn’t won the SEC regular-season or SEC tournament title in three years. Warlick won three such titles in her first three years.

On the flip side, UT had the No. 1 ranked recruiting class in 2017 and followed that up with the No. 4 class in 2018, giving hope that better days are ahead.

Warlick said the 2017 class did well.

“I thought they’d come in and contribute,’’ she said. “They played a lot of minutes. I liked how they matured and got along with our (returning) players. So, yeah, I think they … probably exceeded my expectations.’’

Can the 2018 class have a similar impact?

“I do, I do,’’ she said. “I’ve seen their commitment. I’ve seen their energy. Obviously, they’re talented. But just their commitment to getting better is up there, a little bit more than our freshman (from last year). I think definitely they can make an impact soon.’’

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

Who’s New: Sierra Black

Who’s New: Sierra Black

Posted on May 31, 2018

Sierra Black
Born: Las Vegas
Lives: Las Vegas
Age: 24
Single: “Make It Easy”
Twitter: @SierraBlackNews
Instagram: @OfficialSierraBlack
Facebook: @SierraBlackOfficial

Las Vegas native Sierra Black dropped a soaring new single, “Make It Easy,” that is helping her country music career soar to new heights. The tune has garnered more than 100,000 streams on Spotify, while her real-life wedding video—which features the single—has been viewed more than 4 million times on Facebook. Performing weekly in Vegas, including a residency at the Santa Fe Station Hotel & Casino, Sierra is gearing up to release her debut album as she continues working with Nashville producer Mark Bright (Reba McEntire, Carrie Underwood, Scotty McCreery).

How did you get your start in country music?

Both my mom and dad’s families are very musical. When I was 15 years old, I told my parents that I wanted to be a country singer. Since then, I have performed everywhere I could and really worked at songwriting.

Who are some of your musical influences?

Shania Twain and Faith Hill are two of my biggest country influences, but I also love P!nk.

What three words describe you as a performer?

Energetic, fun, real.

What would you say is unique about your sound?

I think my range makes me unique. Not only can I sing high, but I can also sing really low.

What does your new single, “Make It Easy,” say about you as an artist?

Besides the fact that I really love my husband, it shows that I am and always have been a hopeless romantic.

Your wedding video that features “Make It Easy” has more than 4 million streams on Facebook and the song has more than 100,000 streams on Spotify. Have you been surprised by its success?

Yes! It’s amazing to see so many people respond in such a loving way to our love story and song.

What’s the last song you heard that blew you away?

It’s not a newly released song, but I have loved listening to “Yours” by Russell Dickerson. The lyrics are so good.

What’s the first thing you do after a show?

Most likely eat.

What’s been your most exciting or unusual fan encounter?

I recently had a show in Vegas that a group of girls came to because they saw my wedding video. It was pretty cool.

What family member or friend has been the most supportive of your musical career?

I have been truly blessed that every family member and friend has been incredibly supportive. Out of everyone, my mom always has my back.

photo courtesy Sierra Black

Leach, Gregg Earn All-American Honors

Leach, Gregg Earn All-American Honors

Posted on May 30, 2018
Credit: UT Athletics

OKLAHOMA CITY – Junior Aubrey Leach and senior Meghan Gregg were selected to Division I All-America teams for the 2018 season, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association announced Wednesday.

After a breakout junior campaign that saw her set the program record for runs scored in a season, Leach was named as one of 18 players on the first team. Gregg, the 2017 SEC Player of the Year, collected third team honors.

In her third season on Rocky Top, Leach increased her runs scored and hits totals by more than 10 each compared to the previous two years. She led the SEC in both runs (80) and batting average (.441), and she ranked second in the conference in hits (82) and on base percentage (.565). From Feb. 24 to Mar. 25, Leach recorded at least a hit in 18 consecutive games, a team high. Following the regular season, she was named to the All-SEC first team, and she earns All-American status for the first time in her career.

Gregg followed up her sensational junior season by once again proving to be one of the top offensive talents in college softball. Her 72 RBIs were second most in the nation, and her .761 slugging percentage and .394 batting average were both good for fourth in the SEC. After being named to the All-SEC first team for the third consecutive year, Gregg also won the 2018 Senior CLASS Award, which recognizes achievements both on and off the field. She earns a spot on an All-American team for the second season in a row, following a first-team selection in 2017. One of four seniors on the team, Gregg leaves Tennessee as the program’s career leader in home runs with 57 and RBIs with 263.

Leach and Gregg’s 2018 selections become the 34th and 35th All-American nods in program history. Tennessee has now had 14 players reach All-American status dating back to 2004.

UT Athletics
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Nashville to Feature Performances From More Than 50 Artists During CMA Fest

Blake Shelton’s Ole Red Nashville to Feature Performances From More Than 50 Artists During CMA Fest

Posted on May 30, 2018

Blake Sheton’s Ole Red Nashville will officially celebrate its grand opening—yes, we know it’s already open—during CMA Fest on June 6–10.

The restaurant, bar and music venue will host multiple events throughout the week, including a Blake Shelton and Friends concert on June 6, which is not open to the public. However, the dates of June 7, 8, 9 and 10 are open to the public and Blake has teamed with Spotify to bring a lineup of more than 50 artists to the venue, including Midland, Lauren Alaina, Cam, Lindsay Ell, Cole Swindell, Morgan Wallen, Michael Ray, Maddie & Tae, Hunter Hayes and more.

Located at 300 Broadway, the multi-level, 26,000-square-foot entertainment venue features a two-story bar and restaurant, retail area, performance space, dance floor and private VIP booths for small groups. The complex will also include a large, private event space and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop featuring an indoor/outdoor bar and restaurant with panoramic views of Lower Broadway.

“Lower Broadway is the centerpiece of Nashville,” says Blake. “There’s so much great music and fun going on down there all the time and it’s exciting to now be a part of it—it’s a dream come true.”

The Ole Red concept first came to life in Blake’s adopted hometown of Tishomingo, Okla., last fall. Nashville is the second location, with a third planned for Gatlinburg, Tenn., set to open in 2019.

Check out the roster of artists slated to perform at Ole Red Nashville during CMA Fest.

Thursday, June 7

11:00 A.M. Austin Jenckes
12:00 P.M. Muscadine Bloodline
1:00 P.M. Adam Doleac
2:00 P.M. Riley Green
3:00 P.M. Stephen Carey
4:00 P.M. Tyler Dial
5:00 P.M. Abby Anderson
6:00 P.M. Dillon Carmichael
7:00 P.M. Morgan Wallen
8:00 P.M. Levi Hummon
9:00 P.M. Chris Lane
10:30 P.M. Michael Ray
12:00 A.M. Hunter Hayes & Friends

Friday, June 8

Start Artist
11:00 A.M. Noah Schnacky
12:00 P.M. Ana Vaus
1:00 P.M. Mason Ramsey
2:00 P.M. Austin Burke
3:00 P.M. Swon Brothers
4:00 P.M. Brennin
5:00 P.M. Tegan Marie
6:00 P.M. Adam Sanders
7:00 P.M. Filmore
8:00 P.M. Brandon Ray
9:00 P.M. Maggie Rose
10:30 P.M. Jackie Lee
12:00 A.M. Craig Campbell

Saturday, June 9

Start Artist
11:00 A.M. Cam
11:45 A.M. Jimmie Allen
12:30 P.M. Maddie & Tae
1:15 P.M. Lindsay Ell
2:00 P.M. Jillian Jacqueline
2:50 P.M. Rachel Wammack
3:40 P.M. Mitchell Tenpenny
4:30 P.M. Tenille Townes
5:20 P.M. Cale Dodds
6:10 P.M. RaeLynn
7:00 P.M. Kassi Ashton
7:50 P.M. Cassadee Pope
8:40 P.M. Lauren Alaina
9:30 P.M. Midland
12:00 A.M. Late Night Jam with Cole Swindell

Sunday, June 10

Start Artist
11:00 A.M. Mallary Hope
12:00 P.M. Rhett Walker
1:00 P.M. Tyminski
2:00 P.M. Hannah Ellis
3:00 P.M. Kalie Shorr
4:00 P.M. Clare Dunn
5:00 P.M. Luke Pell
6:00 P.M. Radio Romance
7:00 P.M. Red Marlow
8:00 P.M. Chris Bandi
9:00 P.M. Thompson Square
10:30 P.M. Scotty McCreery
Season Opener vs. West Virginia Set for National TV Broadcast on CBS

Season Opener vs. West Virginia Set for National TV Broadcast on CBS

Posted on May 30, 2018
UT players / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee’s season opener versus West Virginia on Sept. 1 in the 2018 Belk College Kickoff at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, N.C. has been slated for a 3:30 p.m. ET kick and will be broadcast nationally on CBS.

The Volunteers will put their 12-game winning streak against non-conference opponents on the line against the Mountaineers in one of the premier week-one games of the college football season.

When UT and WVU square off on Sept. 1, it will mark the first-ever meeting between the two programs on the gridiron. The Vols have won nine consecutive season openers dating back to 2009.

CBS also released a handful of other select games as well as broadcast windows for its SEC ON CBS package this season.

The SEC ON CBS has been the highest-rated regular-season college football package on any network for nine consecutive seasons. The 2018 SEC ON CBS schedule, the Network’s 18th consecutive season providing national coverage of Southeastern Conference football, presents a total of 17 games, including the SEC Championship on Saturday, Dec. 1 (4:00 p.m. ET).

This year’s schedule kicks off on Sept. 1 with West Virginia vs. Tennessee at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, NC. Other SEC ON CBS games announced today include last year’s SEC Champion Georgia visiting South Carolina on Sept. 8; last season’s SEC West Champion Auburn hosting LSU on Sept. 15; and Florida vs. Georgia in their annual rivalry game on Oct. 27.

There will be three consecutive Saturday doubleheaders late in the season and two Thanksgiving weekend games, putting multiple college football games on CBS in four of the final five regular-season weekends.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL TODAY, the Network’s pre-game, halftime and post-game studio show, provides all the college football news and highlights throughout the day.

CBS Sports’ coverage of the entire 2018 SEC on CBS football schedule will be available to stream live via the CBS All Access subscription service, with additional coverage on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports app.

To view the entire release from CBS and the broadcast windows for this season, click HERE.

-UT Athletics

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