Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel spoke to the media at his weekly Monday press conference ahead of Saturday’s game vs. Florida.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After a 63-6 thrashing of Akron on Saturday night, the Tennessee Volunteers climbed up the Associated Press charts yet again, moving into the No. 11 ranking. UT ascended in the AFCA Coaches Poll as well, gaining four spots to the No. 12 ranking.
The No. 11 ranking marks Tennessee’s highest position in the AP poll since October 9, 2016 when Tennessee cracked the top-10 on the charts at No. 9. It also marks the highest position a Heupel-coached team has held since the final poll of the 2018 season when the UCF Knights held the No. 11 spot.
Next Saturday, the Vols welcome No. 20/22 Florida to Knoxville for a 3:30 p.m. showdown inside of Neyland Stadium. The game will mark the first time since 2017 that both teams are ranked entering the game. Tennessee possesses its best rank for the game against Florida since 2005.
Vols in the Polls
Preseason: RV AP, RV Coaches
Sept. 6: 24 AP, RV Coaches
Sept. 11: 15 AP, 16 Coaches
Sept. 18: 11 AP, 12 Coaches
Associated Press Top 25
1. Georgia (59)
2. Alabama (3)
3. Ohio State (1)
4. Michigan
5. Clemson
6. Oklahoma
7. USC
8. Kentucky
9. Oklahoma State
10. Arkansas
11. Tennessee
12. NC State
13. Utah
14. Penn State
15. Oregon
16. Ole Miss
17. Baylor
18. Washington
19. BYU
20. Florida
21. Wake Forest
22. Texas
23. Texas A&M
24. Pittsburgh
25. Miami (FL)
Others receiving votes: Michigan State, Florida State, Appalachian State, North Carolina, Washington State, Cincinnati, Oregon State, Minnesota, Kansas, Syracuse, LSU, Wisconsin
USA TODAY Coaches Poll
1. Georgia (40)
2. Alabama (24)
3. Ohio State (1)
4. Michigan
5. Clemson
6. Oklahoma
7. USC
8. Oklahoma State
9. Kentucky
10. Arkansas
11. NC State
12. Tennessee
13. Ole Miss
14. Utah
15. Penn State
16. Wake Forest
17. Baylor
18. Oregon
19. Texas
20. Texas A&M
21. Michigan State
22. Florida
23. BYU
24. Washington
25. Miami (FL)
Others receiving votes: Pittsburgh, Florida State, Appalachian State, Oregon State, Washington State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Syracuse, Iowa State, North Carolina, TCU, Kansas, Air Force, Wisconsin, Duke, LSU, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina
-UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — After a 63-6 thrashing of Akron on Saturday night, the Tennessee Volunteers climbed up the Associated Press charts yet again, moving into the No. 11 ranking. UT ascended in the AFCA Coaches Poll as well, gaining four spots to the No. 12 ranking.
The No. 11 ranking marks Tennessee’s highest position in the AP poll since October 9, 2016 when Tennessee cracked the top-10 on the charts at No. 9. It also marks the highest position a Heupel-coached team has held since the final poll of the 2018 season when the UCF Knights held the No. 11 spot.
Next Saturday, the Vols welcome No. 20/22 Florida to Knoxville for a 3:30 p.m. showdown inside of Neyland Stadium. The game will mark the first time since 2017 that both teams are ranked entering the game. Tennessee possesses its best rank for the game against Florida since 2005.
Vols in the Polls
Preseason: RV AP, RV Coaches
Sept. 6: 24 AP, RV Coaches
Sept. 11: 15 AP, 16 Coaches
Sept. 18: 11 AP, 12 Coaches
Associated Press Top 25
1. Georgia (59)
2. Alabama (3)
3. Ohio State (1)
4. Michigan
5. Clemson
6. Oklahoma
7. USC
8. Kentucky
9. Oklahoma State
10. Arkansas
11. Tennessee
12. NC State
13. Utah
14. Penn State
15. Oregon
16. Ole Miss
17. Baylor
18. Washington
19. BYU
20. Florida
21. Wake Forest
22. Texas
23. Texas A&M
24. Pittsburgh
25. Miami (FL)
Others receiving votes: Michigan State, Florida State, Appalachian State, North Carolina, Washington State, Cincinnati, Oregon State, Minnesota, Kansas, Syracuse, LSU, Wisconsin
USA TODAY Coaches Poll
1. Georgia (40)
2. Alabama (24)
3. Ohio State (1)
4. Michigan
5. Clemson
6. Oklahoma
7. USC
8. Oklahoma State
9. Kentucky
10. Arkansas
11. NC State
12. Tennessee
13. Ole Miss
14. Utah
15. Penn State
16. Wake Forest
17. Baylor
18. Oregon
19. Texas
20. Texas A&M
21. Michigan State
22. Florida
23. BYU
24. Washington
25. Miami (FL)
Others receiving votes: Pittsburgh, Florida State, Appalachian State, Oregon State, Washington State, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Syracuse, Iowa State, North Carolina, TCU, Kansas, Air Force, Wisconsin, Duke, LSU, Mississippi State, Notre Dame, Coastal Carolina, East Carolina
-UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – For the first time since the 2016 season, ESPN College GameDay— college football’s longest-running and most celebrated pregame show—will originate from the University of Tennessee campus as the Volunteers host Florida for their Southeastern Conference opener on Saturday in Neyland Stadium.
The show airs live on ESPN from 9 a.m. to noon ET Saturday. Live shots will also take place Friday for various ESPN programming and on Saturday morning’s SportsCenter prior to the show. The broadcast location will be announced soon.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS from a sold-out Neyland Stadium.
It marks the 10th time that Tennessee will host College GameDay and the 22nd time that the Vols have appeared on college football’s most popular pregame show.
Including this Saturday, the past three times that Tennessee has hosted College GameDay has been for a matchup with the Gators. The last occurred on Sept. 24, 2016, a game that saw the 14th-ranked Vols rally from a 21-0 deficit to beat 19th-ranked Florida, 38-28, as quarterback Joshua Dobbs accounted for five touchdowns.
Saturday marks the ninth Tennessee-Florida game that College GameDay has broadcast from. The series is tied for the third-most frequently visited matchup by the show, trailing only Alabama-LSU (11) and Ohio State-Penn State (11). Alabama-Georgia has also been a part of nine broadcasts.
No. 15/16 Tennessee is off to its first 3-0 start since the 2016 season. Led by sixth-year senior quarterback Hendon Hooker, the Vols own the nation’s fourth-highest scoring offense (52.0) and are third in the FBS in total offense (553.7).
No. 18/21 Florida enters the game with a 2-1 record following a 32-28 victory over USF on Saturday night in Gainesville.
Saturday’s UT SEC opener will also see the return of #CheckerNeyland, which showcases the Vols’ iconic checkerboard pattern through Neyland Stadium.
Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white, depending on their seat location. To find out if your seat section is orange or white, go to CheckerNeyland.com and enter your section/row/seat number as it appears on your digital ticket. Fans in the North End Zone Party Deck are encouraged to wear white.
Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early and have their digital parking passes and tickets ready. Gate 21 Will Call opens at 11:30 a.m., and gates to Neyland Stadium open at 1:30 p.m.
All-Time Tennessee ESPN College GameDay Appearances
1995
Sept. 9, 1995; Georgia at No. 8 Tennessee
Oct. 14, 1995; No. 6 Tennessee at No. 12 Alabama
1996
Sept. 21, 1996; No. 4 Florida at No. 2 Tennessee
1997
Sept. 20, 1997; No. 4 Tennessee at No. 2 Florida
Jan. 2, 1998; No. 3 Tennessee vs. No. 2 Nebraska Orange Bowl (Miami, Fla.)
1998
Oct. 10, 1998; No. 4 Tennessee at No. 7 Georgia
Jan. 4, 1999; No. 2 Florida State vs. No. 1 Tennessee
BCS National Championship Game / Fiesta Bowl (Tempe, Ariz.)
1999
Sept. 18, 1999; No. 2 Tennessee at No. 4 Florida
Nov. 6, 1999; No. 24 Notre Dame at No. 4 Tennessee
2000
Sept. 16, 2000; No. 6 Florida at No. 11 Tennessee
2001
Dec. 1, 2001; No. 5 Tennessee at No. 2 Florida
2002
Sept. 21, 2002; No. 10 Florida at No. 4 Tennessee
Nov. 9, 2002; No. 2 Miami at Tennessee
2004
Oct. 2, 2004; No. 8 Auburn at No. 10 Tennessee
Dec. 4, 2004; No. 15 Tennessee vs. No. 3 Auburn SEC Championship (Atlanta, Ga.)
2006
Oct. 28, 2006; No. 8 Tennessee at South Carolina
Nov. 11, 2006; No. 13 Tennessee at No. 11 Arkansas
2012
Sept. 15, 2012; No. 18 Florida at No. 23 Tennessee
2016
Sept. 10, 2016; Virginia Tech vs. No. 17 Tennessee Battle at Bristol (Bristol, Tenn.)
Sept. 24, 2016; No. 19 Florida at No. 14 Tennessee
Oct. 8, 2016; No. 9 Tennessee at No. 8 Texas A&M
2022
Sept. 24, 2022; No. 18 Florida at No. 15 Tennessee
Note: College GameDay was originally scheduled to originate from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for No. 10 Tennessee at No. 4 LSU on Sept. 24, 2005, but the game was postponed to Monday, Sept. 26, due to the approach of Hurricane Rita.
-UT Athletics
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – An electric, sold-out Neyland Stadium awaits Tennessee’s Southeastern Conference opener against Florida next Saturday in what will see the return of the Volunteers’ popular fan-driven initiative #CheckerNeyland.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS.
#CheckerNeyland showcases Tennessee’s iconic checkerboard pattern through Neyland Stadium, which will be sold out for a second consecutive game. This will be the sixth #CheckerNeyland in program history.
Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white, depending on their seat location. To find out if your seat section is orange or white, go to CheckerNeyland.com and enter your section/row/seat number as it appears on your digital ticket.
Fans are strongly encouraged to arrive early and have their digital parking passes and tickets ready. Gate 21 Will Call opens at 11:30 a.m., and gates to Neyland Stadium open at 1:30 p.m.
The only authorized sources for tickets to Tennessee football are the Tennessee Athletics Ticket Office, AllVols.com, Neyland Stadium Will Call 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.
-UT Athletics
By Jimmy Hyams
After Jalin Hyatt caught a career-high 11 passes against Pitt, he said he had done nothing.
After Hyatt had a career-high 166 receiving yards against Akron, he shrugged it off.
“We haven’t got into SEC play yet,’’ Hyatt said after the Vols annihilated Akron 63-6 Saturday night at sold out Neyland Stadium. “I want to keep my head down and keep working.’’
Hyatt’s work has paid off so far. The fleet junior has burst onto the scene in splendid fashion with a team-high 18 catches for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He grabbed scoring passes of 57 and 48 yards against Akron while teammate Cedric Tillman nursed an apparent knee injury suffered in the second quarter.
Despite his brilliant play, Hyatt remains humble and hungry, perhaps the result of a disappointing 2021 season when he suffered several drops and was benched after Game Four.
“We’ve got to keep improving if this is gonna be a big year for us,’’ Hyatt said.
After one of Hyatt’s scores, he made a bee-line to receivers coach Kelsey Pope, who was an offensive analyst last year who helped with the wideouts. Last year, Hyatt dropped several passes and was basically benched after the Florida game as Velus Jones Jr. was moved into the slot position.
“When I was struggling (last year) he was trying to get my confidence back up,’’ said Hyatt. “I love Coach Pope. I think he’s the best receivers coach in the country.’’
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said there isn’t a secret sauce to Hyatt’s rapid rise from a year ago.
“No shortcuts,’’ Heupel said. “He’s a guy that wanted to be great a year ago and worked this offseason to be great. Our coaching staff trusts him. He’s made some big-time plays.’’
Hyatt’s role might increase if Tillman doesn’t return soon. His status is unknown for the Florida game at this time.
“It’s an amazing thing to see,’’ quarterback Hendon Hooker said of Hyatt’s surge in play. “For everyone the lights come on at a different time. He wants to get better. He watches film and asks questions.
“I’m extremely proud of the growth he’s made.’’
After the Ball State game, Hyatt said he predicted he would score UT’s first touchdown of the season.
This time, he said he told his dad before the game he would score twice.
“I told Hyatt he might have two today,’’ Hooker said, smiling.
Hyatt wasn’t the only highlight for the Vols against Akron. Jaylen Wright had 96 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Freshman Dylan Sampson also scored twice, as he gained 58 yards on eight tries. The two running backs got more action after Jabari Small suffered an undisclosed injury on the game’s second play.
Hooker was a crisp 14 of 18 for 298 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 37 for his career to move into seventh place on UT’s all-time list. He has also thrown a touchdown pass in 14 consecutive games, trailing only Heath Shuler’s mark of 18.
Backup Joe Milton continued to impress, hitting 4 of 5 passes for 112 yards and two more scores as UT’s signal-callers were a combined 20 of 25 for 410 yards and four scores.
Tennessee rolled up 676 yards – fifth most in school history. UT has had 600 yards in a game 17 times, three under Heupel.
The offense wasn’t the only bright spot.
Tennessee’s defense held Akron without a touchdown and allowed just 35 yards on 24 rushes. UT also recorded four sacks.
“Our confidence is really high,’’ said safety Jalen McCullough. “But we can’t settle. We’ve got to keep working. Florida (Saturday’s opponent) will try to come in here and light up the scoreboard.’’
Tennessee’s third-down defense has improved remarkably. Akron converted on 1 of 13 tries. Pitt managed just 4 of 18. That’s 5 of 31 in the last two games for a defense that allowed 42% conversion on third downs last year – one of the works marks in the country.
McCullough said UT’s fast striking offense has helped the defense, especially when the Vols take leads of 14-0 or 21-0 or 28-0.
“It puts the opposing offense on the defensive,’’ McCullough said.
That will be the goal against Florida.
Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all
By Jimmy Hyams
After Jalin Hyatt caught a career-high 11 passes against Pitt, he said he had done nothing.
After Hyatt had a career-high 166 receiving yards against Akron, he shrugged it off.
“We haven’t got into SEC play yet,’’ Hyatt said after the Vols annihilated Akron 63-6 Saturday night at sold out Neyland Stadium. “I want to keep my head down and keep working.’’
Hyatt’s work has paid off so far. The fleet junior has burst onto the scene in splendid fashion with a team-high 18 catches for 267 yards and three touchdowns. He grabbed scoring passes of 57 and 48 yards against Akron while teammate Cedric Tillman nursed an apparent knee injury suffered in the second quarter.
Despite his brilliant play, Hyatt remains humble and hungry, perhaps the result of a disappointing 2021 season when he suffered several drops and was benched after Game Four.
“We’ve got to keep improving if this is gonna be a big year for us,’’ Hyatt said.
After one of Hyatt’s scores, he made a bee-line to receivers coach Kelsey Pope, who was an offensive analyst last year who helped with the wideouts. Last year, Hyatt dropped several passes and was basically benched after the Florida game as Velus Jones Jr. was moved into the slot position.
“When I was struggling (last year) he was trying to get my confidence back up,’’ said Hyatt. “I love Coach Pope. I think he’s the best receivers coach in the country.’’
Tennessee coach Josh Heupel said there isn’t a secret sauce to Hyatt’s rapid rise from a year ago.
“No shortcuts,’’ Heupel said. “He’s a guy that wanted to be great a year ago and worked this offseason to be great. Our coaching staff trusts him. He’s made some big-time plays.’’
Hyatt’s role might increase if Tillman doesn’t return soon. His status is unknown for the Florida game at this time.
“It’s an amazing thing to see,’’ quarterback Hendon Hooker said of Hyatt’s surge in play. “For everyone the lights come on at a different time. He wants to get better. He watches film and asks questions.
“I’m extremely proud of the growth he’s made.’’
After the Ball State game, Hyatt said he predicted he would score UT’s first touchdown of the season.
This time, he said he told his dad before the game he would score twice.
“I told Hyatt he might have two today,’’ Hooker said, smiling.
Hyatt wasn’t the only highlight for the Vols against Akron. Jaylen Wright had 96 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries. Freshman Dylan Sampson also scored twice, as he gained 58 yards on eight tries. The two running backs got more action after Jabari Small suffered an undisclosed injury on the game’s second play.
Hooker was a crisp 14 of 18 for 298 yards and two touchdowns, giving him 37 for his career to move into seventh place on UT’s all-time list. He has also thrown a touchdown pass in 14 consecutive games, trailing only Heath Shuler’s mark of 18.
Backup Joe Milton continued to impress, hitting 4 of 5 passes for 112 yards and two more scores as UT’s signal-callers were a combined 20 of 25 for 410 yards and four scores.
Tennessee rolled up 676 yards – fifth most in school history. UT has had 600 yards in a game 17 times, three under Heupel.
The offense wasn’t the only bright spot.
Tennessee’s defense held Akron without a touchdown and allowed just 35 yards on 24 rushes. UT also recorded four sacks.
“Our confidence is really high,’’ said safety Jalen McCullough. “But we can’t settle. We’ve got to keep working. Florida (Saturday’s opponent) will try to come in here and light up the scoreboard.’’
Tennessee’s third-down defense has improved remarkably. Akron converted on 1 of 13 tries. Pitt managed just 4 of 18. That’s 5 of 31 in the last two games for a defense that allowed 42% conversion on third downs last year – one of the works marks in the country.
McCullough said UT’s fast striking offense has helped the defense, especially when the Vols take leads of 14-0 or 21-0 or 28-0.
“It puts the opposing offense on the defensive,’’ McCullough said.
That will be the goal against Florida.
Sponsored by Big Kahuna Wings: The wings that changed it all
Tennessee safety Jaylen McCollough and wide receiver Jalin Hyatt spoke to the media after the Vols routed the Akron Zips 63-6. UT moves to 3-0 and opens SEC play next Saturday at 3:30pm ET as it hosts the rival Florida Gators.
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker spoke to the media after the Vols routed the Akron Zips 63-6. UT moves to 3-0 and opens SEC play next Saturday at 3:30pm ET as it hosts the rival Florida Gators.
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker spoke to the media after the Vols routed the Akron Zips 63-6. UT moves to 3-0 and opens SEC play next Saturday at 3:30pm ET as it hosts the rival Florida Gators.
