Jimmy’s blog: Can Guarantano provide the spark UT needs?

Jimmy’s blog: Can Guarantano provide the spark UT needs?

Posted on October 14, 2017

By Jimmy Hyams

With 73 seconds left, Tennessee really had no chance against South Carolina, right?

Why would you dare think an offense that had gone dormant for 29 minutes in the second half would scare the end zone?

Next thing you know, Tennessee is 5 yards away from upending South Carolina.

Alas, the Vols’ red zone woes continued and Tennessee couldn’t find the checkerboards in four tries.

The Gamecocks escaped Neyland Stadium with a snooze-fest 15-9 victory over Tennessee, running Will Muschamp’s record against the Vols to 6-0 (4-0 against UT’s Butch Jones).

But perhaps Tennessee found a silver lining.

Maybe Jarrett Guarantano running a one-minute offense is just what the doctor ordered.

Guarantano was impressive on that last drive, with completions of 17, 39, 8 and 9 yards to set UT up at the 5-yard line with about 15 seconds left.

Pass interference moved the ball to the 2, but three incompletions ended the game.

“I definitely feel comfortable in the one-minute drill,’’ said Guarantano, who hit 4 of 5 passes until the last three incompletions. “I definitely think we performed that well. When we’re up and rolling, I think we’re pretty good at it.

“We’ll see in the future what we’re going to do.’’

That might be Guarantano’s comfort zone. But his inablility to make a play in the finals seconds left him “hurt.’’

It was interesting to see UT put the ball in Guarantano’s hands at crunch time, rather than rely on its best offensive weapon, running back John Kelly, who had 58 yards on 16 carries.

Twice, UT could hand handed to Kelly, with four seconds left, then with one second left.

But the Vols threw it both times.

“With four seconds left,’’ Jones said, “if we run and don’t get it on the final play, you’re asking me why we handed off.’’

Maybe so, but that seemed the more prudent option.

While Guarantano provided a bit of a spark (11 of 18, 133 yards) in his first start, the results were the same: No touchdowns. No offensive consistency. No win.

On deck for the Vols: No. 1 ranked Alabama.

If Tennessee can’t score a touchdown against Georgia or South Carolina, what would you expect against Alabama’s dominant defense?

Last year, Tennessee averaged 36.4 points per game and scored more offensive touchdowns (59) than any other SEC team.

This year, the Vols are averaging 21.7 points, which ranks no better than 100 in the nation.

UT’s run game isn’t as efficient as last year.

The pass game isn’t as efficient as last year.

The red zone offensive isn’t as efficient as last year.

You can cite a handful of reasons for the offensive deficiencies.

  1. Not having Josh Dobbs at quarterback. He bailed the offensive and the offensive line out of many a jam.

2. Not having the play-calling of offensive coordinator Mike DeBord, now at Indiana. Larry Scott might be a fine tight ends coach, but he’s not adept at calling plays – at least not now.

3. Not having a better offensive line. What was supposed to be a team strength borders on being a weakness.

4. Not having wide receivers who can get open, beat press coverage and make big plays.

Jones praised Guarantano’s play, saying his young quarterback showed “poise’’ and “made plays with his legs.’’

But not enough. One alarming stat: Guarantano was sacked seven times. The sacks were a combination of Guarantano holding the ball too long, lack of protection and receivers not getting open.

Can Tennessee win going forward (except against Alabama) with Guarantano?

That question might not be answered for several more weeks.

But here are some sobering numbers: In the last 12 quarters, UT’s offense has 12 points (four field goals), only 27 first downs, 210 rushing yards, 243 passing yards, 453 yards on 142 plays (3.2 per play) and 10 sacks.

Whether you want to blame the quarterback or receivers or offensive line or play caller, that is unacceptable.

And it’s the primary reason Tennessee looks no better than a .500 team.

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

Tennessee loses to South Carolina, 15-9; now 3-3, 0-3 in SEC

Tennessee loses to South Carolina, 15-9; now 3-3, 0-3 in SEC

Posted on October 14, 2017
Jarrett Guarantano – UT QB / Credit: UT Athletics

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee grabbed an early lead over South Carolina, fell behind late and came up two yards short of a furious last-second rally, dropping a 15-9 decision Saturday afternoon in front of a crowd of 98,104 at Neyland Stadium.

Redshirt freshman Jarrett Guarantano, making his first start at quarterback, guided the Vols 73 yards in the final one minute, 13 seconds without a timeout.  He and his teammates came up just short of an incredible comeback, as UT (3-3/0-3 SEC) was unable to connect on three pass attempts from the two-yard line.

On that drive, Guarantano completed four of eight passes for 71 yards, firing three to Marquez Callaway for 34 yards and one to Brandon Johnson for 39. The rookie finished the game 11-of-18 for 133 yards with no interceptions.

The Vols grabbed a 6-0 lead after the first quarter and took a 9-3 lead into the intermission, thanks to the foot of freshman kicker Brent Cimaglia. The Gamecocks (5-2/3-2 SEC), however, outscored the Vols 12-0 in the second half to escape Rocky Top with the win.

After forcing the Gamecocks to a three-and-out on their opening series, the Vols responded with a 29-yard field goal from Cimaglia (starting in place of ailing senior Aaron Medley) to go on top, 3-0, with 10:26 to play in the first quarter. The seven-play, 46-yard drive was keyed by a determined 24-yard rush by Kelly on the third play and an 11-yard third-down scramble by Guarantano to move the ball to the South Carolina 11.

Cimaglia then pushed Tennessee’s lead to 6-0 with 1:36 remaining in the opening period, knocking a 33-yard field goal through the uprights. Guarantano directed a 14-play, 80-yard drive, getting help from another quarterback, Quinten Dormady, who had a 13-yard run in place of Guarantano, and reserve running back Ty Chandler, who had a 30-yard carry and an 11-yard reception during UT’s possession.

South Carolina got on the board in the second quarter, cutting the UT lead to 6-3 with 10:31 remaining. A 19-yard run by Ty’Son Williams was the longest effort in a six-play drive that put Parker White in position for his 47-yard field.

Defensive end Kyle Phillips ignited Tennessee’s third scoring opportunity, stuffing USC’s Williams on a fourth-and-one try with 5:14 to go in the second and setting the Vols up at their own 43.  Guarantano marched the Big Orange 51 yards in 11 plays, with Cimaglia adding his third field goal of the half, a 24-yarder, with 33 seconds to go. That kick sent the Vols into the intermission with a 9-3 lead.

The Gamecocks drew first blood in the second half, tying the game at 9-all with 1:02left in the third quarter. Running back A.J. Turner capped off a 12-play, 95-yard drive with a 20-yard dash to pay dirt. A bad snap on the PAT, however, prevented USC from taking the lead.

South Carolina had another opportunity to grab their first lead with 5:17 to go in the game, and this time the Gamecocks capitalized. A 16-play, 72-yard drive lasting 9:10 culminated in White booting his second field goal of the day, a 21-yarder, to make it 12-9, Gamecocks.

White added his third three-pointer and the final points of the afternoon with 1:13 left on the board, extending South Carolina’s advantage to 15-9.

The Vols, who don’t return to Neyland Stadium until a Nov. 4 contest vs. Southern Miss, head to Tuscaloosa next Saturday to take on Alabama in a 3:30 p.m. contest on CBS.

-UT Athletics

 

Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood & More Earn AMA Nominations

Keith Urban, Sam Hunt, Garth Brooks, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood & More Earn AMA Nominations

Posted on October 13, 2017

Nominees for the 45th annual American Music Awards were announced on Oct. 12.

Keith Urban leads all country artists with three nominations, while Sam Hunt picked up two. Garth Brooks was the only country artist to cop an all-genre nomination.

You can cast your AMA vote for your favorite artists here.

The 2017 American Music Awards will broadcast live from the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.

Check out the country nominees below.

TOUR OF THE YEAR (all-genre)

  • Garth Brooks
  • Coldplay
  • U2

FAVORITE MALE ARTIST – COUNTRY

  • Sam Hunt
  • Thomas Rhett
  • Keith Urban

FAVORITE FEMALE ARTIST – COUNTRY

  • Miranda Lambert
  • Maren Morris
  • Carrie Underwood

FAVORITE DUO OR GROUP – COUNTRY

  • Florida Georgia Line
  • Little Big Town
  • Old Dominion

FAVORITE ALBUM – COUNTRY

  • Jason Aldean, They Don’t Know
  • Chris Stapleton, From A Room: Vol. 1
  • Keith Urban, Ripcord

FAVORITE SONG – COUNTRY

  • Sam Hunt, “Body Like a Back Road”
  • Jon Pardi, “Dirt on My Boots”
  • Keith Urban, “Blue Ain’t Your Color”
13 Country Artists Who Have the Chutzpah to Perform on Friday the 13th

13 Country Artists Who Have the Chutzpah to Perform on Friday the 13th

Posted on October 13, 2017

Paraskevidekatriaphobia is the fear of Friday the 13th, but we found 13 artists who are laughing in the face of the almost-unpronounceable word by performing today, Friday, Oct. 13.

Nashville will be hopping, as usual, with both Chris Stapleton and Jason Isbell headlining at Bridgestone Arena and Ryman Auditorium, respectively. In fact, D. Striker, a Nashville-based artist with a fun-loving cult-like following, only performs on Friday the 13th, and since the next Friday the 13th is in April 2018, catch him while you can.

Without further ado, here are 13 artists with the chutzpah to perform on Friday the 13th.

  1. Chris Stapleton with Brothers Osborne & Brent Cobb – Bridgestone Arena —Nashville
  2. Jason Aldean with Chris Young & Kane Brown — Verizon Arena — North Little Rock, Ark.
  3. Florida Georgia Line with Nelly, Chris Lane & Morgan Wallen — Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre — Tampa, Fla.
  4. Tim McGraw & Faith Hill — Verizon Center — Washington, DC
  5. Maren Morris — Minglewood Hall — Memphis
  6. Dwight Yoakam — Choctaw Grand Theater — Durant, Okla.
  7. Rascal Flatts — Venetian Theater — Las Vegas
  8. Travis Tritt — Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre — Atlanta
  9. Thomas Rhett with Dan + Shay & Walker Hayes — Pensacola Bay Center — Pensacola, Fla.
  10. Willie Nelson —Harrah’s — Cherokee, N.C.
  11. Jason Isbell – Ryman Auditorium — Nashville
  12. Jon Pardi with Midland & Runaway June – Grayson Stadium – Savannah, Ga.
  13. D. Striker – Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge — Nashville
Get to Know 2017 Nash Next Finalist Gyth Rigdon

Get to Know 2017 Nash Next Finalist Gyth Rigdon

Posted on October 13, 2017

The 2017 Nash Next challenge is down to 10 finalists, and in the lead-up to the announcement of the champion on Nov. 1, NCD will be profiling each of the 10 finalists.

Today, we are getting to know finalist Gyth Rigdon.

In May, Cumulus Media and Big Machine Label Group invited aspiring country artists and bands to participate in Nash Next 2017, a grassroots talent search and artist development program for country music. Sponsored nationally by Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, the winner of the competition will receive a recording contract with Nash Next Records under the Big Machine Label Group and garner substantial exposure, commensurate with a major-label release, on Cumulus radio stations nationwide.

The 10 finalists were selected by a panel of country radio professionals and will be judged in the finale by a group that includes Brooks & Dunn’s Kix Brooks and Scott Borchetta, president and CEO of Big Machine Label Group. The 10 finalists will perform at the 2017 Nash Next finale event at Nashville’s Wildhorse Saloon on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is open to the public.

Gyth Rigdon

Home Markets: Lake Charles, La., and Beaumont, Texas
Facebook: gythrigdonmusic
Twitter: @gythrigdon
Instagram: @gythrigdon

How did you get started in music?

When I was around 7 years old, my dad was in a gospel band that would play local churches and nursing homes, so I would travel with them and sing at the shows. I did that until I was 9 years old.

At what age did you realize you wanted to make music your career?

I stopped singing when I was 9. When I was 15, we were all camping one night and my dad and my brothers were playing their guitars and singing. I realized how much I missed music. I told myself I would learn to play. Once I started, my passion and drive grew stronger and stronger.

Who are your musical influences?

I have a wide variety of influences, including Chris Stapleton, Clay Walker, Travis Tritt, Darius Rucker, Otis Redding, 3 Doors Down, James Otto and Conway Twitty.

What three words describe you?

Driven. Passionate. Determined.

What is unique about your sound?

Over the past 8 years of playing music, I have taken bits and pieces of different styles from some of my favorite artists to create what I think is my unique sound. My sound has soul music and country with a touch of Southern rock.

What three albums would you take with you to a deserted island?

Travis Tritt’s Greatest Hits, Chris Stapleton’s Traveller and Otis Redding’s The Very Best of Otis Redding.

What’s a song you wish you had written?

The Steeldrivers’ “Where the Rainbows Never Die.”

What was the first concert you attended?

I was 16 when I went to my first concert. I had actually gotten a call to open for Johnny Lee. The experience to open for a legend was amazing. I was even able to go hang out on his bus after the show and play some songs with him.

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

Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect.”

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey.”

Where is the craziest place you’ve performed?

Daiquiri Station in Leesville, Louisiana, when I was 17. I had heard the bar was full of bikers and they were quick to tell an artist to go home if they weren’t good. This was my very first bar show, so you can imagine how nervous I was. I had no idea what I was going to do, until it hit me: all bikers love Lynyrd Skynyrd. The first song I played was “Simple Man.” Now 7 years later, it’s one of my favorites to play.

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

I try to take pictures with and shake the hands of all my fans who came to the show. Then I go to Waffle House.

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

I was playing a bar one night when I met this lady and we started talking about how she loved me and my music. She said she was going to get my logo tattooed on her. I laughed it off and didn’t think twice about it until a week later when I got a message with a picture of her with my logo tattooed on her shoulder. It was actually pretty cool.

What’s your favorite song to cover?

It’s a toss-up between “Purple Rain” and “Tennessee Whiskey.”

What was your reaction when you learned you were one of 10 Nash Next 2017 finalists?

I was on my way home from Nashville when I found out. I was in shock. There was so much talent that entered the contest and for me to make it into the Top 10 is extremely humbling. I immediately called my dad and brothers.

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

My dad has been there since day one. I’m proud to say that he has supported me every step of the way. He has never doubted me and always pushed me to work harder. My dad is my hero.

Watch Garth Brooks Perform “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in Front of 73,000 Fan in Atlanta

Watch Garth Brooks Perform “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” in Front of 73,000 Fan in Atlanta

Posted on October 13, 2017

Garth Brooks christened Atlanta’s new Mercedes-Benz Stadium with its first concert on Oct. 12.

With a 90-yard stage that spanned the Atlanta Falcon’s field from 5-yard line to 5-yard line, Garth started the concert with a fiery rendition of Charlie Daniel’s “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” before treating the 73,000 fans to hit after hit, including “Sail My Vessel,” “Two Pina Coladas,” “Unanswered Prayers,” “That Summer,” “Callin’ Baton Rouge,” “The Dance,” “Friends in Low Places” and more.

“Our job is to make [the concert] as warm as we can,” said Garth before the show. “And with the stage reaching from 5-yard-line to 5-yard-line, we’re going to be close. The front row is something stupid, like over a thousand seats. That’s how a concert should be, right there—where every seat feels like it’s front row.”

Trisha Yearwood’s set included “XXX’s and OOO’s (An American Girl),” “How Do I Live,” “Prizefighter” and more. Former President Jimmy Carter also made an appearance onstage to present Trisha—a Georgia native—with a proclamation from the Peach State for her support over the years.

“I’m so proud to be from here, you know,” said Trisha before the show. “I’m proud for Atlanta. I’m proud for Georgia to have this stadium. It is amazing for this city. I’m honored to be a part of it.”

During his five-song encore, Garth dedicated his a cappella performance of “The Change” to the Las Vegas shooting victims.

Watch Garth’s performance of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” below.

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