99.1 The Sports Animal hosts Vince Ferrara and Josh Ward broke down Tennessee’s thrilling and memorable 52-49 win over Alabama Saturday night at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
99.1 The Sports Animal hosts Vince Ferrara and Josh Ward broke down Tennessee’s thrilling and memorable 52-49 win over Alabama Saturday night at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville.
By Jimmy Hyams
When Alabama linebacker Dallas Turner scooped up a fumble exchange between Hendon Hooker and Jabari Small, you could almost hear a collective sigh at Neyland Stadium.
Oh no, not again!
No. 1 Alabama had just taken 49-42 lead over No. 6 Tennessee with 7:49 left in a thriller that would have made Michael Jackson proud.
The Vols had played brilliantly, surging to a 21-7 lead, slicing through the SEC’s No. 1 defense, making an occasional stop and going toe-to-toe with the perhaps the greatest dynasty college football has ever seen.
But just when the Vol Nation was euphoric at the thought of slaying the mighty Crimson Tide, Nick Saban’s team made a key play that would derail Tennessee’s efforts.
Or so it seemed.
Not so fast my friend, as Lee Corso might say.
This is a different Tennessee team with a different mindset and a different resolve and a different attitude.
Tennessee wasn’t going to let a potentially catastrophic game-winning play by Bama end its hopes.
The Vols marched 75 yards on 11 plays to tie the game with 3:26 left, then kicked a game-winning field as time expired after Alabama missed a 50-yarder with 15 seconds left.
Chase McGrath’s knuckle ball from 40 yards out barely cleared the crossbar, setting off the wildest celebration seen at Neyland Stadium since an epic win over Florida in 1998.
More than 100 security guards didn’t have a chance as fans stormed the field like a tidal wave.
They tore down the goal posts – pitching one set into the Tennessee River. Hugged each other like long lost relatives. Cried tears of joy. And smoked so many cigars, you couldn’t see the jumbotrons from the field, the smoke was so thick.
In arguably the greatest game in the greatest quarterback battle in Neyland history, Tennessee prevailed 52-49, ending a 15-year drought against Saban and the Tide.
The maestro behind this magical ride is Josh Heupel, hired from Central Florida in 2001 to turn around a program that was 3-7 in 2020 and in the midst of a serious NCAA investigation.
Heupel has made Tennessee relevant again with an up-tempo offense that destroyed the SEC’s top-ranked defense, an offense that leads the nation in total yards and averages 49 points per game.
And offense that is so good, Tennessee is now in the conversation for the College Football Playoff.
If this were the Academy Awards, UT’s win over Alabama would get best picture, Heupel best director, Hooker best actor and Jalin Hyatt best supporting actor.
Hooker, who has firmly planted himself near the top of the Heisman Trophy race, was 21 of 30 for 385 yards and five touchdowns.
Hyatt, who is looking more and more like a clone of Jerry Rice, caught six passes for 207 yards and a school-record five touchdowns.
Running back Jaylen Wright had 71 yards and Small 53 as the Vols rushed for 182 yards against the SEC’s top-ranked run defense.
Tennessee won this game by making plays usually reserved for Alabama.
The Vols racked up 567 total yards and seemed to have an answer for each Alabama run.
When Alabama tied the game at 28-28 all in the third quarter, Hooker hit Hyatt for a 60-yard score.
When Bama went ahead 35-34, Hooker hit Hyatt for a 78-yard score.
After Turner’s scoop and score, UT went 75 yards to knot it up.
And when Reichard missed a 50-yard field goal try near the end, Hooker had completions of 18 and 27 yards to set up McGrath’s game-winning kick.
Tennessee is now 6-0 for the first time since 1998.
It is the only team in the country with four wins over ranked opponents.
It will be ranked in the top four during the season (not preseason) for the first time since 2002.
And it is in position to challenge Georgia for East Division supremacy
This is indeed a different Tennessee team, one that has captured the imagination of the Vol Nation – and the nation at large.
Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all
K Chase McGrath, WR Jalin Hyatt, QB Hendon Hooker, and S Trevon Flowers met with the media after Tennessee’s win over Alabama 52-49.
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel spoke with the media after the Vols win over Alabama 52-49
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – This year’s edition of “The Third Saturday in October” features a battle of undefeated teams for the first time since 1989 as No. 6/8 Tennessee plays host to No. 3/1 Alabama inside a sold-out Neyland Stadium.
Saturday will mark the sixth time in the series history that the Vols and Crimson Tide will meet as top-10 foes inside of Neyland Stadium.
Saturday’s contest will feature a national television broadcast on CBS with Brad Nessler (PxP), Gary Danielson (analyst) and Jenny Dell (sideline) on the call. Kickoff is slated for 3:39 p.m. ET.
Fans can listen to Tennessee’s official radio broadcast on the Vol Network (Local: WIVK-FM 107.7/WNML-FM 99.1) over 64 stations across the state of Tennessee and the southeast, SiriusXM and the SiriusXM app (Sirius Ch. 81) and the Varsity App. A live audio stream of the broadcast will also be available on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App.
Bob Kesling (PxP), Pat Ryan (analyst) and Brent Hubbs (analyst) will call the action, with Kasey Funderburg handling sideline duties. The Big Orange Countdown pregame show begins at 1:30 p.m. ET.
For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee’s 2022 gameday policies, please visit the Tennessee Football Gameday Information page on UTSports.com. The gameday timeline as well as other important information is listed below.
ESPN College GameDay Pit Opens – 6:30 a.m.
ESPN SportsCenter Live Shots Begin – 7:45 a.m.
Swim & Dive vs. NC State – 9 a.m. (Allan Jones Intercollegiate Aquatic Center)
Marty & McGee – 9-10 a.m. (Thompson-Boling Area East Ramp)
ESPN College GameDay Pregame Show – 9 a.m.-noon (Ayres Hall)
SEC Nation Pregame Show – 10 a.m.-noon (Thompson-Boling Area East Ramp)
UT Basketball Open Practices – Women at 10 a.m. / Men at 11:30 a.m. (Thompson-Boling Arena)
Truly’s Tailgate Opens – 11:30 a.m.
Vol Village Opens – 12:30 p.m.*
*Will remain open throughout the game and feature a watch party for all fans without a ticket to the game
Vol Walk – 1:20 p.m.
Gates Open – 1:30 p.m.
Pride of the Southland Band March – 1:50 p.m. (Pedestrian Bridge)
CBS Pregame Show – 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Pride of the Southland Band Pregame Performance – 3:25 p.m.
National Anthem/Flyover – 3:28 p.m.
CBS Broadcast Begins – 3:30 p.m.
Vols Run Through the T – 3:36 p.m.
Kickoff – 3:39 p.m.
Tickets and parking passes to all Tennessee Athletics events, including football, are now digital and can be accessed through a mobile device to improve security and reduce the risk of ticket fraud as well as make the process more convenient for fans.
Fans will gain admission into Neyland Stadium via a unique QR code which will be scanned directly from a mobile device. For quick and easy entry into Tennessee Athletics venues, fans are encouraged to download the Tennessee Athletics app from the App Store (iPhone) and Google Play (Android).
Your mobile device is the ticket on gameday. All valid digital tickets will display a moving barcode or a hold near reader (tap-and-go) icon. PLEASE NOTE: SCREENSHOTS OF TICKETS WILL NOT SCAN AT THE GATE AND WILL NOT ALLOW ENTRY!
Printed PDF tickets will no longer be issued or accepted for entry at any Tennessee Athletics venue.
The only authorized sources for tickets to Tennessee Athletics events are the Tennessee Athletics Ticket Office, AllVols.com, the venue box office where the athletic event is taking place and Ticketmaster.
A complete step-by-step guide on how to best access and use your digital tickets and parking passes, including diagrams and FAQ is available here.
TENNESSEE ATHLETICS APP
Fans are encouraged to download the Tennessee Athletics app, which now houses the Coca-Cola GBO Zone, allowing fans to play trivia, take part in a light show and much more. Search “Tennessee Athletics” in the Apple or Google Play Store or use this link to download: http://utsports.com/
Neyland Stadium Fan Experience Enhancements
Fans can enjoy several enhancements to the gameday experience at Neyland Stadium, Shields-Watkins Field this fall, including new state-of-the-art videoboards above both end zones and the North End Zone Social Deck, among others.
For more information on all of the new stadium and gameday fan experience enhancements, click HERE.
Fireworks, Neyland Lights: The spectacular fireworks show that debuted last season during pregame and following UT touchdowns and victories returns in 2022. The dramatic LED light show is also back to accentuate in-game festivities.
Toyota Volunteer Village: Toyota Volunteer Village, located across from Circle Park, serves as the ideal spot to view the Vol Walk and the Pride of Southland Band march. Admission is free to all fans with or without a game ticket. Vol Village opens at 12:30 p.m. ET on Saturday and will remain open throughout the duration of the game as UT hosts a watch party outside the stadium. A large videoboard will be in place for fans to watch the game. Limited food and drink options, as well as restrooms (including restrooms in the Student Union), will be available for fans outside the stadium.
Vol Village will highlight a new artist or band each home game with a pregame concert series, providing Vol fans with the ultimate pregame atmosphere. The Desert City Ramblers will be the featured band for this Saturday’s game.
New this season will be a video wall for fans to check out other games around college football. A new food court, along with appearances by Smokey and the Spirit Squad are also new to Vol Village this season. Face painting and a zip line will be available on Saturday, as well.
Truly’s Tailgate: Located outside Gate 9, fans can stop by for food and drinks at Truly’s Tailgate. Fans may enter Truly’s prior to gates opening without having a ticket scanned. When gates open, fans will need to scan their ticket to enter Truly’s. New food options this season include Texas Roadhouse and Big Orange Bites.
Truly’s will open at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday and remain open for the majority of the game, giving fans in the south concourse a variety of food, drinks, television entertainment and additional restroom options. Truly’s will close at the end of the third quarter.
For complete gameday information, visit UTsports.com/gameday.
College GameDay & SEC Nation Live from Rocky Top
For the second time in four weeks, ESPN College GameDay will be in Knoxville to preview Saturday’s slate of games. College football’s most celebrated pregame show once again originates from the lawn at Ayres Hall from 9 a.m. to noon ET Saturday. This is College GameDay’s 11th all-time visit to the UT campus and only the second time the show has coincided with the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry (1995, live from Birmingham, Alabama).
SEC Network’s weekly, traveling pre-game show, SEC Nation Presented by Regions, adds to this weekend’s excitement around Neyland Stadium. With Tennessee’s gridiron cathedral serving as the backdrop, the show originates live from the east ramp of Thompson-Boling Arena Saturday from 10-noon ET. Laura Rutledge hosts the show—her sixth season in that role—and is joined by UT alum Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Jordan Rodgers and Tim Tebow for in-depth breakdowns of matchups and storylines throughout the SEC.
Marty & McGee Presented by Old Trapper also airs live Saturday from 9-10 a.m. ET, as Marty Smith and UT alum Ryan McGee meet at the intersection of southern lifestyle and college football to bring viewers the latest headlines across the SEC landscape.
For more info on College GameDay and SEC Nation’s trips to Rocky Top this week, click HERE.
High Stakes for The Third Saturday in October
For the first time since Oct. 21, 1989, No. 6/8 Tennessee and No. 3/1 Alabama clash as unbeatens on the Third Saturday in October. It represents the 10th time that both teams are ranked in the top 10 at the time of the meeting and first since 2016. Tennessee is off to its first 5-0 start since 2016 and is ranked in the top 10 for a third straight week. It’s the first time two AP poll top-six ranked teams will meet in Neyland Stadium since Sept. 19, 1998, when the No. 6 Vols beat No. 2 Florida, 20-17, in overtime.
Racking Up Ranked Wins
Tennessee is the only FBS program this season with three or more victories over AP Top 25 ranked teams at the time of meeting. The Vols are one of five teams in the nation with three wins vs. FBS opponents with a winning record, joining Houston, Notre Dame, UCLA and USC. Saturday marks the third consecutive game against a ranked team for the Vols and fourth in the past five contests. Head coach Josh Heupel owns a 4-4 record vs. ranked teams in his two seasons with the Vols.
Offense in No. 1
A year after setting a school record for points in a season and becoming the FBS’ most improved offense (No. 7, 39.3 ppg), Tennessee’s offense is still thriving. The Vols are averaging a nation-best 547.8 yards per game of total offense and are also No. 1 in and redzone offense (28-28). UT ranks second in the nation in passing efficiency (189.15) and scoring offense (46.8). UT has put up at least 30 points in a league-best eight straight games, a first since they did it in nine straight games in 1995. The Vols lead the SEC in six different offensive categories: total offense, scoring offense, passing efficiency, yards per completion, redzone offense and fewest interceptions.
Stuffing the Run, Winning Turnover Battle
Tennessee’s defense has been one of the nation’s best at bottling up opposing rushing attacks this season, allowing just 89.2 yards per game on the ground, which ranks 11th nationally and second in the SEC. The Vols have also been opportunistic, forcing 10 turnovers through five games, which is tied for third in the conference. UT in tops in the SEC in turnover margin (+5) and has not lost the turnover battle in each of its last eight games.
Chasing Records
Star quarterback Hendon Hooker has elevated his game to the next level this season and is in the midst of rewriting the Tennessee record books. The redshirt senior has thrown at least one touchdown pass in 17 straight games, which is second in UT history behind Heath Shuler’s record of 18 consecutive games from 1992-94. He has accounted for multiple touchdowns in 17 of his last 18 games entering Saturday’s showdown and has thrown at least one touchdown pass in every game he has started at UT (16).
Hooker has also continued his climb on UT’s career touchdown passes list, entering Saturday’s contest sixth on the list with 41 TD passes, 12 behind Joshua Dobbs (53) for fifth. The Greensboro, North Carolina, native carries a streak of 239 consecutive pass attempts without an interception into Saturday’s game against Alabama, which is already a program record and ranks fifth in SEC history.
Alabama leads series, 59-38-7
Tennessee is seeking its first win over Alabama since a 16-13 victory in 2006. A victory on Saturday would snap a 15-game skid to the Crimson Tide after winning 10 of the 12 meetings between the teams from 1995-2006.
The Crimson Tide, led by 16th-year head coach Nick Saban, enter Saturday’s game at 6-0 following a narrow 24-20 victory over Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa last weekend. Alabama ranks fifth nationally in scoring offense (44.3 ppg) and sixth in scoring defense (12.5 ppg).
Offensively, the Tide are led by 2021 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Bryce Young. In five games this season, the junior from California has completed 90 of 134 pass attempts for 1,202 yards and 14 touchdowns to go along with 154 rushing yards and three more scores on the ground. Young did not play in last week’s contest against the Aggies after suffering a shoulder injury in UA’s win over Arkansas two weeks ago. If Young is unable to play on Saturday, redshirt freshman Jalen Milroe will likely make his second consecutive start. The Texas native is 28 for 46 passing for 262 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He is also a major threat with his legs, totaling 29 rushing attempts for 246 yards and a touchdown.
Georgia Tech transfer running back Jahmyr Gibbs leads the Tide’s ground attack with 64 carries for 532 yards and two touchdowns. His 8.3 yards per carry leads all SEC running backs. Gibbs is also a talented pass catcher with a team-high 22 receptions for 220 yards and three touchdowns. Wideouts Ja’Corey Brooks and Traeshon Holden are tied for the team lead with 223 receiving yards apiece and have combined for seven touchdowns through the air. In total, nine Alabama players have recorded a touchdown reception on the year.
Defensively, the Crimson Tide are led by do-it-all junior linebacker Will Anderson Jr., who leads the SEC with 10.0 tackles for loss and is second in the league with five sacks. Senior linebacker Henry To’oTo’o is the team’s leading tackler with 39 stops while sophomore corner Kool-Aid McKinstry leads the secondary with seven pass breakups.
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
Here’s a look at my Week 7 SEC football game predictions.
Check back on my “Vince’s View” blog page for future posts including weekly SEC football and NFL game predictions. Bookmark my blog page and check back often.
2022 Week 6 Straight-Up Record: 5-2 (71%)
2022 Week 6 Spread Record: 2-5 (29%)
2022 Season Straight-Up Record: 53-10 (84%)
2022 Season Spread Record: 35-28 (56%)
2021 Season Straight-Up Record: 92-34 (73%)
2021 Season Spread Record: 63-63 (50%)
THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER IN THE SEC
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
Auburn (3-3, 1-2 SEC) at #9 Ole Miss (6-0, 2-0 SEC)
Series: AU leads, 35-10-0
Noon ET • ESPN
Last: AU, 31-20 (2021 at Auburn)
Oxford, Miss. • Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (64,038)
SiriusXM: 137/190 – 81/81
Line: Ole Miss -15
Pick vs. Spread: Ole Miss -15
Score Prediction: Ole Miss 35 Auburn 7
Arkansas (3-3, 1-3 SEC) at BYU (4-2)
Series: First Meeting
3:30 p.m. ET • ESPN
Provo, Utah • LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,725)
SiriusXM: 121/192
Line: BYU -1
Pick vs. Spread: Arkansas +1
Score Prediction: Arkansas 31 BYU 27
#3 Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC) at #6 Tennessee (5-0, 2-0 SEC)
Series: UA leads, 58-38-7
3:30 p.m. ET • CBS
Last: UA, 52-24 (2021 at Tuscaloosa)
Knoxville, Tenn. • Neyland Stadium (101,915)
SiriusXM: 111/191 – 81/81
Line: Alabama -8.5
Pick vs. Spread: Tennessee +8.5
Score Prediction: Tennessee 38 Alabama 35
Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-2 SEC) at #1 Georgia (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
Series: UGA leads, 59-20-2
3:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Last: UGA, 62-0 (2021 at Nashville)
Athens, Ga. • Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium (92,746)
SiriusXM: 158/201 – 137/190
Line: Georgia -37.5
Pick vs. Spread: Georgia -37.5
Score Prediction: Georgia 56 Vanderbilt 14
LSU (4-2, 2-1 SEC) at Florida (4-2, 1-2 SEC)
Series: UF leads, 33-32-3
7 p.m. ET • ESPN
Last: LSU, 49-42 (2021 at Baton Rouge)
Gainesville, Fla. • Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)
SiriusXM: 111/191 – 137/190
Line: Florida -2.5
Pick vs. Spread: LSU +2.5
Score Prediction: LSU 17 Florida 16
#16 Mississippi State (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at Kentucky (4-2, 1-2 SEC)
Series: MSU leads, 25-24
7:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Last: MSU, 31-17 (2021 at Starkville)
Lexington, Ky. • Kroger Field (61,000)
SiriusXM: 121/192 – 81/81
Line: Miss State -4
Pick vs. Spread: Miss State -4
Score Prediction: Miss State 28 Kentucky 23
Open Date: Missouri (2-4, 0-3 SEC); South Carolina (4-2, 1-2 SEC); Texas A&M (3-3, 1-2 SEC)
Check back for my blog posts, “Vince’s View,” here.
Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net
By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
Here’s a look at my Week 7 SEC football game predictions.
Check back on my “Vince’s View” blog page for future posts including weekly SEC football and NFL game predictions. Bookmark my blog page and check back often.
2022 Week 6 Straight-Up Record: 5-2 (71%)
2022 Week 6 Spread Record: 2-5 (29%)
2022 Season Straight-Up Record: 53-10 (84%)
2022 Season Spread Record: 35-28 (56%)
2021 Season Straight-Up Record: 92-34 (73%)
2021 Season Spread Record: 63-63 (50%)
THIRD SATURDAY IN OCTOBER IN THE SEC
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15
Auburn (3-3, 1-2 SEC) at #9 Ole Miss (6-0, 2-0 SEC)
Series: AU leads, 35-10-0
Noon ET • ESPN
Last: AU, 31-20 (2021 at Auburn)
Oxford, Miss. • Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (64,038)
SiriusXM: 137/190 – 81/81
Line: Ole Miss -15
Pick vs. Spread: Ole Miss -15
Score Prediction: Ole Miss 35 Auburn 7
Arkansas (3-3, 1-3 SEC) at BYU (4-2)
Series: First Meeting
3:30 p.m. ET • ESPN
Provo, Utah • LaVell Edwards Stadium (63,725)
SiriusXM: 121/192
Line: BYU -1
Pick vs. Spread: Arkansas +1
Score Prediction: Arkansas 31 BYU 27
#3 Alabama (6-0, 3-0 SEC) at #6 Tennessee (5-0, 2-0 SEC)
Series: UA leads, 58-38-7
3:30 p.m. ET • CBS
Last: UA, 52-24 (2021 at Tuscaloosa)
Knoxville, Tenn. • Neyland Stadium (101,915)
SiriusXM: 111/191 – 81/81
Line: Alabama -8.5
Pick vs. Spread: Tennessee +8.5
Score Prediction: Tennessee 38 Alabama 35
Vanderbilt (3-3, 0-2 SEC) at #1 Georgia (6-0, 3-0 SEC)
Series: UGA leads, 59-20-2
3:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Last: UGA, 62-0 (2021 at Nashville)
Athens, Ga. • Dooley Field at Sanford Stadium (92,746)
SiriusXM: 158/201 – 137/190
Line: Georgia -37.5
Pick vs. Spread: Georgia -37.5
Score Prediction: Georgia 56 Vanderbilt 14
LSU (4-2, 2-1 SEC) at Florida (4-2, 1-2 SEC)
Series: UF leads, 33-32-3
7 p.m. ET • ESPN
Last: LSU, 49-42 (2021 at Baton Rouge)
Gainesville, Fla. • Spurrier-Florida Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)
SiriusXM: 111/191 – 137/190
Line: Florida -2.5
Pick vs. Spread: LSU +2.5
Score Prediction: LSU 17 Florida 16
#16 Mississippi State (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at Kentucky (4-2, 1-2 SEC)
Series: MSU leads, 25-24
7:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Last: MSU, 31-17 (2021 at Starkville)
Lexington, Ky. • Kroger Field (61,000)
SiriusXM: 121/192 – 81/81
Line: Miss State -4
Pick vs. Spread: Miss State -4
Score Prediction: Miss State 28 Kentucky 23
Open Date: Missouri (2-4, 0-3 SEC); South Carolina (4-2, 1-2 SEC); Texas A&M (3-3, 1-2 SEC)
Check back for my blog posts, “Vince’s View,” here.
Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Two days out from the 105th all-time meeting between the Volunteers and Crimson Tide on the gridiron, Tennessee football head coach Josh Heupel met with members of the media Thursday morning to preview the top-10 rivalry matchup. The two storied programs meet for The Third Saturday in October as unbeatens for the first time since 1989 on Saturday inside Neyland Stadium (CBS, 3:30 p.m. ET).
The national spotlight will shine on Rocky Top this weekend as ESPN’s College GameDay returns to Knoxville for the second time in four weeks, while SEC Network’s SEC Nation and Marty & McGee will also originate live from campus on Saturday morning with Tennessee’s gridiron cathedral serving as the backdrop.
With all the history, pomp and circumstance surrounding Saturday’s bout between the sixth-ranked Vols and third-ranked Tide, Heupel expressed the importance of keeping his team even-keeled while also taking small moments to enjoy the build-up to what promises to be an electric atmosphere.
“You better enjoy it,” Heupel said of the gameday atmosphere. “There has been a lot of work that has gone on from our staff and our players to be able to play in games like this that matter from the outside. To have this type of attention, you should enjoy Vol Walk. There is not a better pregame experience in all of college football than that. The energy inside of our stadium when you are running through the T, you better enjoy that moment.”
When the ball kicks off and clock starts running, however, it is time to lock in and focus on the task at hand.
“Now, when the ball is kicked off, it’s 11-on-11, you have to reset. You have to be focused on your job at a really high level. When you are on the sidelines, you have to be able to take adjustments and then go execute them. You have to be in the moment, but for a brief second you can enjoy the buildup and the lead up to kick off. I think our players have handled it in a pretty good way this year.”
Off to its first 5-0 start since 2016, Tennessee is seeking its first win over the Tide since 2006 in Knoxville. While recognizing the magnitude of the matchup, Heupel understands the past has no bearing on the outcome of Saturday’s game and has echoed that sentiment within the Big Orange locker room.
“This is a big one because it’s the next one,” Heupel remarked. “Obviously, this is a rivalry game too. We understand the type of opponent that we’re playing. It’s a big game for everybody inside the program because this is the one we got on Saturday afternoon. For our fanbase, our former players, understanding the importance that this is one of the games that everybody circles. At the same time, there’s not a play that we made or didn’t make last week that’s going to help us in this one. The same is true with this rivalry over here over the recent years. For everybody inside of our program, it’s about this week, this opportunity.”
Heupel’s Thursday press conference transcript can be viewed below.
Opening statement…
“I hope everybody is doing well. [It was] a good Thursday for us, and obviously, we are looking forward to Friday, pushing forward, and being ready to go play our best football. [It will] be a great environment. Looking forward to it.”
On if there’s any update on Jaylen McCollough and who could see action in his spot if he isn’t available…
“We’re getting multiple guys ready to play, and obviously with the situation there is a process that goes on and we’re still going through that, and we’ll see where we get to late tomorrow.”
On prepping for two separate quarterbacks…
“Yeah, their skill sets are a little bit different. The thing about both of them is that they’re mobile. You are going to see some of the base offense with whoever is playing. You have to prepare and have a plan for both of them anyways, depending on how the game unfolds. So, for us, our defensive players, but our coaching staff as well having a plan for both.”
On Alabama running back Jahmyr Gibbs…
“He’s got really good pace, vision, delivers blocks really well, slow to go early [but] once he hits the hole, he’s got an explosive nature about him. He’s got the ability to make you miss in open space and can take it the distance. He’s a really good back.”
On what it would mean to the program to come out with a victory over Alabama…
“This is a big one because it’s the next one. Obviously, this is a rivalry game too. We understand the type of opponent that we’re playing. It’s a big game for everybody inside the program because this is the one we got on Saturday afternoon. For our fanbase, our former players, understanding the importance that this is one of the games that everybody circles. At the same time, there’s not a play that we made or didn’t make last week that’s going to help us in this one. The same is true with this rivalry over here over the recent years. For everybody inside of our program, it’s about this week, this opportunity.”
On the way that the team has prepared for these rivalry games…
“I think that there has to be a consistent nature in the way that you approach every day inside of your building. You know, the big games have more media attention. There might be more noise as the week continues to go on, but your approach, your preparation, your practice habits have to be really consistent, otherwise your performance can vary. This group continues to get better in the way that we approach everything. We continue to practice better. They enjoy practicing. Good teams get better throughout the course of the week. I like the approach and what we have done so far this week.”
On enjoying the Vol Walk and atmosphere during these big games…
“You better enjoy it. There has been a lot of work that has gone on from our staff and our players to be able to play in games like this that matter from the outside. To have this type of attention, you should enjoy Vol Walk. There is not a better pregame experience in all of college football than that. The energy inside of our stadium, when you are running through the T, you better enjoy that moment. Now, when the ball is kicked off, it’s 11-on-11, you have to reset. You have to be focused on your job at a really high level. When you are on the sidelines, you have to be able to take adjustments and then go execute them. You have to be in the moment, but for a brief second you can enjoy the buildup and the lead up to kick off. I think our players have handled it in a pretty good way this year.”
On what will be important for the offensive line to have success against Alabama’s front…
“If it was just one guy, it would be easier. They are good across the board and when whoever in their front four steps on the field, they have the ability to rush the passer. They are dynamic and destructive in the run game too. We have to have balance. You don’t want to be living in third and long against these guys. We have to do a good job on early downs. At the end of the day, we are going to have to win some one-on-one pass pro battles in those third and long situations.”
-UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Two of college football’s most storied programs meet as unbeatens for the first time since 1989 as ESPN College GameDay and SEC Network’s SEC Nation descend on Knoxville to spotlight the “Third Saturday in October” rivalry between Tennessee and Alabama.
ESPN College GameDay and SEC Nation both will set the stage for Saturday’s clash between the No. 6/8 Volunteers and No. 3/1 Crimson Tide at Neyland Stadium (CBS, 3:30 p.m. ET).
ESPN COLLEGE GAMEDAY
This weekend marks ESPN College GameDay’s second visit to Knoxville in four weeks. College football’s most celebrated pregame show once again originates from the lawn at Ayres Hall from 9 a.m. to noon ET Saturday. This is College GameDay’s 11th all-time visit to the UT campus and only the second time the show has coincided with the Tennessee-Alabama rivalry (1995, live from Birmingham, Alabama).
Fans are encouraged to show up to the lawn at Ayres Hall for live programming Friday. Live shots and taping for shows across the ESPN family of networks begin at 10:30 a.m. ET. The Pat McAfee Show airs live on YouTube from 1 to 2 p.m. ET followed by College Football Live on ESPN2 from 3-3:30 p.m.
On Saturday, access to the College GameDay fan zone — located immediately behind the set’s main stage — opens at 6:30 a.m. ET. Programming begins with live shots on ESPN SportsCenter at 7:45 a.m. ET.
ESPN’s social and digital pre-pregame show, Countdown to GameDay Live, airs from 8:30-9 a.m. ET. The show is available on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and the ESPN App.
The main College GameDay Show kicks off at 9 a.m. ET on ESPN and ESPNU. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel will make a live appearance at approximately 10:30 a.m. Saturday.
Rece Davis leads the show in his eighth season as host and is joined at the desk by GameDay analysts Desmond Howard, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, David Pollack and Pat McAfee. Reporters Jen Lada, Tennessee alum Gene Wojciechowski and newcomer Jess Sims, along with research producer Chris “The Bear” Fallica and college football insider Pete Thamel, round out the GameDay crew.
SEC NATION (and more)
SEC Network’s weekly, traveling pre-game show, SEC Nation Presented by Regions, adds to this weekend’s excitement around Neyland Stadium. With Tennessee’s gridiron cathedral serving as the backdrop, the show originates live from the east ramp of Thompson-Boling Arena Saturday from 10-noon ET.
Laura Rutledge hosts the show—her sixth season in that role—and is joined by UT alum Paul Finebaum, Roman Harper, Jordan Rodgers and Tim Tebow for in-depth breakdowns of matchups and storylines throughout the SEC.
Marty & McGee Presented by Old Trapper also airs live Saturday from 9-10 a.m. ET, as Marty Smith and UT alum Ryan McGee meet at the intersection of southern lifestyle and college football to bring viewers the latest headlines across the SEC landscape.
The Paul Finebaum Show Presented by Johnsonville, with #FinebaumFriday, also originates live from the east ramp of Thompson-Boling Arena from 3-7 p.m. ET.
Fans also can expect multiple University of Tennessee guests to join the SEC Network’s various live programming both Friday and Saturday.
CBS COVERAGE & GAMEDAY REMINDERS
Saturday’s Tennessee-Alabama football game kicks off at 3:39 p.m. ET on CBS, with live pregame coverage on CBS beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. Brad Nessler, Gary Danielson and Jenny Dell will call the action.
Neyland Stadium will be packed with yet another sold-out crowd, and fans are encouraged to participate in a stadium-wide “Orange Out” by wearing all orange Saturday.
Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early and have their digital parking passes and tickets downloaded to their digital wallet apps before arriving on campus. Gate 21 Will Call opens at 11:30 a.m. ET, and gates to Neyland Stadium open at 1:30 p.m. ET. Vol Walk occurs at 1:20 p.m. Fans without a game ticket are welcome to attend the Toyota Vol Village watch party.
For more information, visit UTsports.com/gameday.
Ayres Hall Lawn Schedule of Events
Friday, Oct. 14
11:15 a.m. ET – Live and taped segments for ESPN programming on main set begin
1-2 p.m. ET – Pat McAfee Show (airs live on YouTube)
3-3:30 p.m. ET – College Football Live (airs live on ESPN2; re-airs on ESPN2 at 4:30 p.m.)
Saturday, Oct. 15
6:30 a.m. ET – ESPN College GameDay pit opens
7:45 a.m. ET – ESPN SportsCenter live shots begin (airs live on ESPN)
8:30 a.m. ET – Countdown to GameDay Live (digital show that airs live on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook and the ESPN App)
9 a.m.-noon ET – ESPN College GameDay (airs live on ESPN and ESPNU)
10:30 a.m. ET – Head Coach Josh Heupel live on ESPN College GameDay set
Thompson-Boling Arena East Ramp Schedule of Events
Friday, Oct. 14
3-7 p.m. ET – The Paul Finebaum Show (airs live on SEC Network)
Saturday, Oct. 15
9-10 a.m. ET – Marty & McGee (airs live on SEC Network)
10-noon a.m. ET – SEC Nation (airs live on SEC Network)
-UT Athletics
