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Jimmy’s blog: UT baseball ends in disappointment but season a rousing success

Posted on June 17, 2022

By Jimmy Hyams

In 2001, Tennessee’s football team finished a second-half away from playing for the national championship in the Rose Bowl.

Many UT fans had already booked a trip to Pasadena, Calif., before the SEC championship.

Btu when the Vols couldn’t hold a halftime lead against an 8-3 LSU team in the league title game, a colleague of mine called 2001 the most disappointing season he’d ever endured as a UT fan.

I disagreed.

Yes, losing to an LSU team you defeated during the regular season, an LSU team that had lost its starting quarterback and starting running back, was hard to swallow.

But that Tennessee team won at Notre Dame, won at Alabama, won at Florida in an spic classic.

It was ranked No. 2 in the nation when it was upset by No. 21 LSU in the Georgia Dome.

You can call it a disappointing end to a great season.

But not a disappointing season.

Which brings me to what happened at Lindsey Nelson Stadium last weekend.

Tennessee, the top-ranked team in the nation, a team that had 19 more wins than Notre Dame, fell to the Fighting Irish in the Super Regional.

A disappointing season?

Not hardly.

A disappointing end to a marvelous season?

You bet.

One analyst and several Vol fans said anything short of a College World Series title would result failure.

Not from my viewpoint.

Tennessee went 25-5 in the toughest conference in the country. It went 12-0 against then-No. 1 Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Florida, Mississippi State. It won the SEC by a whopping six games. It led the nation in home runs and team ERA – a rare feat. It won the SEC tournament title. It had one of the highest offensive-defensive efficiency ratings in college baseball history.

There wasn’t much Tony Vitello’s team didn’t do – except advance to the CWS.

Disappointing? Yes.

But still, a memorable season.

Tennessee began the year 31-1. It was ranked No. 1 for more than half the season. It shattered attendance records, doubling the previous mark for regular season and postseason crowds. The Tennessee-Notre Dame Super Regional had the top three ratings of all Super Regionals, even outdrawing Major League Baseball.

Tennessee played with its emotions on its sleeves, endearing itself to the Vol Nation, angering anyone outside of the Volunteer State.

Did the Vols overstep bounds at times? Yes. Shooting the bird, cussing out an umpire and bat flips that could have punctured a hot air balloon were a bit much.

But you couldn’t find an off-the-field problem, an academic casualty, an unsightly arrest with this group.

It had fun. It expressed joy. It won a school-record amount of games.

But losing to Notre Dame in a World-Series-advancing Super Regional?

That was a disappointing end to a great season.

And with Tony Vitello in control, you can expect the Vols to knock on the World Series door again – and soon.

Enjoy the ride.

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

Ingrid Andress Set to Release Her Second Album – Good Person – August 26th

Posted on June 17, 2022

Ingrid Andress announced that her sophomore album is on the way.

Good Person is set to arrive on August 26th.

Ingrid says, “Making this album was one of the most painful processes I’ve ever been through, but it was also the brightest and the best. The first album was me trying to discover who I was as an artist, but the last two years forced me to really sink into what my reality was and what I was feeling. It led me to what this album is, which is me realizing I wasn’t happy and that I needed to fix it.”

Ingrid adds, “This album not only helped me grow as a person, but also as a producer. I realized how scared a lot of people are to push boundaries and how I am not, that’s my bread and butter. Isn’t that the goal, to discover new things? What are we doing here if we’re not trying to make new art?”

“Pain” is the first single from Ingrid’s upcoming album Good Person.

Andress says, “Sometimes you find yourself in situations where you know it’s going to hurt terribly, but you have to go through with it. This song is a reminder that it’s ok to feel sad and unhappy, but it won’t always be that way. In a way, ‘Pain’ is the crux of the album, transitioning from the dark to the light. Writing this song was really a cathartic experience, and it made me feel understood, like I was listening to myself.”

Along with “Pain,” Ingrid’s new album will include 11 other tracks that she’ll probably be sharing with fans on The Speed Of Now tour as she opens for Keith Urban, starting in Tampa.

Check out the music video for “Pain” from Ingrid Andress’ upcoming album Good Person – which will arrive for fans on August 26th.

Photo Credit: Olivia Bee

BRELAND Releases Music Video for New Single “Natural”

Posted on June 17, 2022

Breland announced this week that his debut album, Cross Country, will arrive on September 9th.

Breland’s new single from Cross Country, “Natural” has a bit of a throwback sound, “It’s awesome seeing the resurgence of 90s Country and its influence on today’s new music.”

Talking about his new song Breland says, “I’ve noticed a lot of people have been taking inspiration from a lot of male artists, so I wanted to sample one of Country music’s most influential females, Shania Twain! Fusing her empowering ‘Man! I Feel Like A Woman!’ with my lyrics for ‘Natural’ resulted in an ode to women in their natural elements and loving what God gave them just as they are.”

Check out the music video for “Natural” right here…

Photo Courtesy of Breland

Thomas Rhett Gets Ready for the Bring The Bar To You Tour’s Opening Night

Posted on June 17, 2022

You’ve heard about warming up a concert crowd, right?

But is it really necessary to warm up a concert venue?

Thomas Rhett thinks so…

After doing all that work Thomas shared, “Very thankful that people will actually be here soon. Partying by yourself is not a blast.”

A lot more people will be having a blast at the Bank of NH Pavilion Friday and Saturday nights as Thomas Rhett kicks off back-to-back shows there for the start of his Bring The Bar To You tour.

Fans will be looking forward to seeing Parker McCollum and Conner Smith out with Thomas Rhett on tour.

Thomas is looking forward to playing his new single “Half Of Me” for the crowds that show up.

Check out Thomas Rhett and Riley Green on “Half Of Me.”

Photo Credit: Grayson Greyson & Thomas Rhett

Luke Combs’ New Single “The Kind Of Love We Make” is Out Now

Posted on June 17, 2022

Luke Combs‘ is getting ready to release his new album, Growin’ Up, Friday June 24th.

Following up his number-one hit “Doin’ This” – Luke is now releasing “The Kind Of Love We Make.”

Talking about his new single at country radio, Luke says, “The song “The Kind of Love We Make” …pretty self explanatory song. You know, I think you guys know what it’s about if you listen, you guys know what it’s about.”

Luke adds, “I wrote this song in Montana. My buddies Dan Isbell and Reid Isbell had brought it to me and they had actually started it with my guitar tech Jamie Davis. And they said, ‘what do you think about this thing?’ And I said, you know, ‘I love the love the melody of this thing.’ And so, just kind of went from there. We’re all married guys, you know, and so, actually, ironically enough, three of us are having children within a month of each other. So, I’m not saying that the song inspired, inspired that but but it may have.”

Check out the music video for Luke Combs’ new single “The Kind Of Love We Make.”

Photo Credit: Zack Massey

Cody Johnson Says That His Wife Makes Him a Better Human

Posted on June 16, 2022

Cody Johnson‘s new single at country radio is “Human” – the title track to his 2021 double album.

Cody has no problem admitting that his life and career is where it is because of the love and support of his wife Brandi, “She’s a 100% of it, honestly. When I met her I was a pretty crazy young guy and she’s helped me grow. She’s helped me become a man that I’m proud to be, and she holds down the house and she holds down the whole fort. You know, from the kids and the ranch to keeping me going, from little simple things like my clothes going to the cleaners and coming back and being ready for the road – just little stuff and every little tiny thing she does is so big for me and she gives me the courage to keep going.”

“Human” is the follow-up single to Cody Johnson’s smash hit number-one “‘Til You Can’t.”

Photo Courtesy of Cody Johnson

Jon Pardi Announces New Album – Mr. Saturday Night – Coming Out September 2nd

Posted on June 16, 2022

Jon Pardi has let his fans know that his next project will arrive September 2nd.

And it turns out – Mr. Saturday Night is fresh off the presses, Jon says, “Literally just finished the record and couldn’t wait any longer to tell y’all.”

This is the follow-up to Jon’s 2020 album Heartache Medication.

Pardi says, “A lot of time was spent living with the songs on this record. There is more life experience on Mr. Saturday Night than any album I’ve released before.”

When it comes to the title of the album, Jon shares, “I chose ‘Mr. Saturday Night’ as the title track because it’s special to me. I’ve been hanging onto it for three years and can’t wait for people to hear it, and the rest of these songs.”

The new album from Jon Pardi, Mr. Saturday Night, is set for release on September 2nd, and it includes his current single at country radio, “Last Night Lonely”

Photo Courtesy of Jon Pardi

Tillman Named Preseason All-American, Eight Vols Earn All-SEC by Phil Steele

Posted on June 16, 2022

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A total of eight Tennessee Volunteers find their place in the Phil Steele All-SEC teams while redshirt-senior wide receiver Cedric Tillman was named a Third-Team All-American, the magazine announced this week.

Tillman is poised for yet another stellar campaign in his second year in coach Josh Heupel‘s high-octane offense. After being named to the Athlon Sports preseason All-SEC team just a week ago, the leading receiver from the Volunteer receiving corps looks to build on an incredible 2021 where he logged 64 catches for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns—ranking ninth, fifth and third in the SEC in those categories, respectively. He capped the year with four straight 100-yard receiving games and set the school record for consecutive games with a touchdown catch at seven, a streak that continues entering 2022. Tillman represents the first Volunteer to be named a preseason All-American in 2022.

On the offensive side of the ball on the All-SEC teams, Tillman checks in with first-team recognition. Redshirt-senior quarterback Hendon Hooker garnered second-team honors while junior running back Jabari Small and senior offensive tackle Darnell Wright each earned third-team acclaim. Senior offensive guard Jerome Carvin rounds out the Big Orange offensive players on the All-SEC list with fourth-team recognition.

A pair of defensive veterans check in on the All-SEC list along with one special teams player. Senior edge rusher Byron Young steaked a claim on the second team while redshirt-senior linebacker Jeremy Banks, looking to continue a strong finish to the 2021 season, was selected for the fourth team. Senior punter Paxton Brooks rounds out the eight Vols on the list with third-team recognition.

Tennessee’s 2022 season begins under the lights of Neyland Stadium on Thursday, Sept. 1 when the Volunteers take on Ball State. The season opener will kick off at 7 p.m. ET and will be televised on SEC Network.

Fans wishing to purchase new season tickets can do so at AllVols.com or by contacting the UT Athletic Ticket Office at (865) 946-7000.

2022 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors

R-Sr. LB Jeremy Banks
Lott Trophy Watch List
All-SEC Second Team (Athlon)
All-SEC Fourth Team (Phil Steele)

Jr. DL Tyler Baron
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon)

Sr. P Paxton Brooks
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Sr. OL Jerome Carvin
All-SEC Third Team (Athlon)
All-SEC Fourth Team (Phil Steele)

Sr. DB Trevon Flowers
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

R-Sr. QB Hendon Hooker
All-SEC Second Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Jr. RB Jabari Small
All-SEC Third Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

R-Sr. WR Cedric Tillman
Third-Team All-American (Phil Steele)
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)

Sr. OL Darnell Wright
All-SEC Third Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)

Sr. DL/LB Byron Young
All-SEC First Team (Athlon)
All-SEC Second Team (Phil Steele)

-UT Athletics

Vols to Host Longhorns for SEC/Big 12 Challenge

Posted on June 16, 2022

Tennessee is 4-0 in home challenge games

Matchups for the 10^th annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge were announced Thursday, and Tennessee is set to host Texas at Thompson-Boling Arena on Jan. 28, 2023.

Season tickets went on sale earlier this week and can be purchased HERE.

The Volunteers traveled to Austin, Texas, to face the Longhorns as part of last season’s challenge, with Texas holding on for a one-point victory in a low-scoring affair, 52-51.

Tennessee head coach Rick Barnes—who is entering his eighth season at the original UT—spent 17 seasons leading the Longhorns program before transitioning to Rocky Top. A member of the Longhorn Hall of Honor, Barnes guided Texas to more than 400 wins, four Big 12 Championships, 16 NCAA Tournament berths and the program’s lone Final Four appearance in the modern era in 2003.

The Vols and Longhorns have met seven times previously on the hardwood, with Texas holding a 4-3 advantage. The programs collided for four consecutive seasons from 2004-05 to 2007-08, with each team winning twice.

Tennessee is a perfect 2-0 against Texas in Knoxville, with home triumphs in 1952 and 2006. The 2006 showdown was a thriller, highlighted by a deep and unforgettable Chris Lofton 3-pointer over Kevin Durant to give the Vols their first lead of the second half. Lofton finished with 35 points and 11 rebounds to power Tennessee to the 111-105 win. Durant led the Longhorns with 26 points.

Tennessee’s all-time record against current members of the Big 12 stands at 15-21. Barnes owns a 161-98 record against current Big 12 teams.

Texas, along with Oklahoma, is set to join the SEC in 2025.

The Vols are 5-3 all-time in the challenge. That includes a 4-0 record at Thompson-Boling Arena.

All 10 of the Big 12’s teams and 10 of the SEC’s 14 member institutions will participate in the event. Each of the 10 SEC teams that participated in the 2022 Challenge will be a part of the 2023 event.

The SEC won the ninth annual Big 12/SEC Challenge by winning six of the 10 games on Jan. 29, 2022. It was the second year in a row the SEC won the challenge. The SEC has lost the challenge just one time in the last six years.

This will be the eighth year that a bye in the league schedule for participating SEC teams was created to accommodate the single-day format. The first two years of the challenge were played over several days in November and December, but the last eight events have been consolidated to one single day in January. ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU will combine to televise the contests.

Tipoff times and network designations will be announced at a later date.

The University of Tennessee was founded as Blount College in 1794, and Tennessee became a state in 1796. The gallant actions of a bevy of brave Tennessee Volunteers that included David Crockett and Sam Houston led to the annexation and eventual statehood of Texas more than 50 years later.

Tennessee in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge

Dec. 6, 2014 – defeated Kansas State, 65-64
Jan. 30, 2016 – lost at TCU, 75-63
Jan. 28, 2017 – defeated Kansas State, 70-58
Jan. 27, 2018 – defeated Iowa State, 68-45
Jan. 26, 2019 – defeated West Virginia, 83-66
Jan. 25, 2020 – lost at No. 3 Kansas, 74-68
Jan. 30, 2021 – defeated No. 15 Kansas, 80-61
Jan. 29, 2022 – lost at Texas, 52-51

-UT Athletics

Vols Rack Up All-America Honors from NCBWA

Posted on June 16, 2022

NCBWA All-America Teams

DALLAS – The postseason honors continue to roll in for Tennessee as seven Vols were named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) All-America teams, including a program record four first-team selections.

UT’s first-team honorees included pitchers Chase Dollander and Chase Burns as well as third baseman Trey Lipscomb and outfielder Drew Gilbert.

For Dollander, it was his third first-team selection this year, making him the first Tennessee player to garner first-team All-America honors from multiple outlets since VFL and World Series champion pitcher Luke Hochevar was a consensus first-team All-American back in 2005.

This marks the first time being first-team selections for the trio of Lipscomb, Gilbert and Burns, who have all garnered second or third team All-America honors from Collegiate Baseball and Perfect Game already this year. Burns is the first UT freshman to be named a first-team All-American by any outlet since VFL and former AL Cy Young Award winner R.A. Dickey in 1994.

Also earning NCBWA All-America recognition were pitchers Drew Beam (second team), Redmond Walsh (second team) and Ben Joyce (third team), marking the first time any of the three have earned a spot on a non-freshman All-America team in their careers.

Tennessee has now had eight players earn non-freshman All-America honors this season, doubling the previous program record of four set in 2021 and 1994. If you include freshmen All-Americans, the Vols have had nine players earn All-America recognition, which also smashed the previous school record of five in 2021.

To see the complete NCBWA All-America teams, click HERE. A full listing of Tennessee’s postseason All-Americans and national award winners can be seen below.

Tennessee Postseason All-Americans / National Awards Winners

Tony Vitello
Perfect Game National Coach of the Year

RHP Drew Beam
NCBWA – Second Team
NCBWA – Freshman (First Team)
Collegiate Baseball – Freshman Team
Perfect Game – Freshman Team

DH/1B Blake Burke
Collegiate Baseball – Freshman Team
Perfect Game – Freshman Team

RHP Chase Burns
NCBWA Freshman National Pitcher of the Year
Collegiate Baseball National Co-Freshman Player of the Year
NCBWA – First Team
Collegiate Baseball – Third Team
Collegiate Baseball – Freshman Team
NCBWA – Freshman (First Team)
Perfect Game – Freshman Team

RHP Chase Dollander
NCBWA – First Team
Collegiate Baseball – First Team
Perfect Game – First Team

OF Drew Gilbert
NCBWA – First Team
Collegiate Baseball – Second Team
Perfect Game – Second Team

RHP Ben Joyce
NCBWA – Third Team

1B Luc Lipcius
CoSIDA Academic – Second Team

3B Trey Lipscomb
NCBWA – First Team
Collegiate Baseball – Second Team
Perfect Game – Third Team

2B Jorel Ortega
Perfect Game – Second Team

C Evan Russell
CoSIDA Academic – First Team

LHP Redmond Walsh
NCBWA – Second Team