Tennessee vs. West Virginia / Credit: UT Athletics
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Tennessee will play West Virginia in the Duke’s Mayo Classic in Charlotte’s Bank of America Stadium to kick off the 2028 college football season, the Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF) announced Tuesday.
The game is set for Saturday, Sept. 2, 2028. This is the second regular season matchup in Charlotte between the two squads. The teams played in front of 66,793 fans on Sept. 1, 2018. It was the first and only time the two schools have faced off on the gridiron.
“This should be a fun showcase game for our program in a city and venue our fans enjoy visiting,” Tennessee Director of Athletics Danny White said. “Opening our season against a quality opponent like West Virginia will serve as a valuable experience for our team prior to SEC play.”
“We are very excited to announce that Tennessee and West Virginia will be returning to Charlotte to kick off the 2028 college football season,” said Danny Morrison, Executive Director of the Charlotte Sports Foundation. “In 2018, Charlotte hosted the first ever meeting between the two schools in football. The atmosphere surrounding the game was tremendous, with very active, supportive fan bases. We are proud to bring this marquee matchup back to the Queen City and look forward to hosting the Volunteer and Mountaineer teams and fans again in Charlotte.”
“The Charlotte Sports Foundation continues to generate substantial positive events for the community,” said Johnny Harris, Board Co-Chairman of the Charlotte Sport Foundation. “The 2018 game between Tennessee and West Virginia was a great time for fans hosted by Charlotte. We look forward to thousands of Volunteers and Mountaineers visiting our great City in 2028.”
About the Charlotte Sports Foundation
The mission of the Charlotte Sports Foundation (CSF), a 501(c)(3), is to provide leadership for sports-based initiatives that result in a positive impact on the economy and quality of life in the Charlotte region. CSF was created in the spring of 2013 as a combined entity of Charlotte’s two primary sports development groups, Charlotte Collegiate Football and the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission. Its origins can be traced to the vision of Charlotte civic leaders after the very successful hosting of the 1994 NCAA Men’s Final Four. The Foundation also provides support for recruitment and operation of other local sporting events, and spearheads Charlotte’s continued growth as a preferred host for premier national and regional sporting events. The Board of Directors that guides the Charlotte Sports Foundation boasts a dynamic roster of top Charlotte civic and business leaders. Please visit www.CharlotteSports.org for more information.
About Duke’s Mayonnaise
Duke’s Mayonnaise celebrated 100 years of its bold and palate-thrilling presence in southern cuisine in 2017. In addition to the five new regionally inspired Duke’s Southern Sauces and Duke’s Real Mayonnaise (still made according to Eugenia Duke’s original recipe), the brand offers light mayonnaise, mayonnaise with olive oil, tartar sauce and sandwich relish.) For more information, please visit www.dukesmayo.com.
KNOXVILLE, TN – April 24, 2021 – Quarterback Harrison Bailey #15 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the 2021 Orange and White Game at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
In my blog “Vince’s View,” here on 991TheSportsAnimal.com, I break down the much-discussed Vols quarterbacks. Plus, I reflect on my observations, notes and views from Tennessee’s 2021 Chevrolet Orange and White spring football game at Neyland Stadium Saturday afternoon.
Did Not Play (21)
QB Kaidon Salter (7) *suspended
RB Len’Neth Whitehead (27)
WR Malachi Wideman (13)
WR Jimmy Holiday (10)
WR Walker Merrill (19)
TE Austin Pope (81)
OL Riley Locklear (56)
OL James Robinson (71) *suspended
DL LaTrell Bumphus (88)
DL Greg Emerson (90)
DL Elijah Simmons (51)
DL Darel Middleton (97)
DL Aubrey Solomon (98)
DL Isaac Washington (95) *suspended
ILB Aaron Beasley (24) *suspended
ILB Martavius French (29) *suspended
ILB Aaron Willis (41) *suspended
ILB Jeremy Banks (33)
OLB Byron Young (13)
OLB Roman Harrison (30)
DB Cheyenne Labruzza (44)
Quarterbacks and Combined Stats in Game
18 (R-So) Brian Maurer 9-15, 171 yds, 1 TD, 2 car 22 yds
5 (R-Sr) Hendon Hooker 10-14, 11 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 5 car 13 yds, 1 rush TD
15 (So) Harrison Bailey 12-15, 260 yds, 2 TD, 1 car 4 yds
14 (R-So) Spencer Smith (walk-on) 3-3, 31 yds Vince’s View: I thought going into spring practice that Bailey had a slight edge for the top QB spot. Then, in the first half of camp, Brian Maurer looked the best. Then, I thought Hendon Hooker had pulled in front leading up to the spring game. Now, Bailey looked best in the most important dress rehearsal, the spring game. Take a look at the breakdown below for more perspective on who did what with and against which units.
Drives – Quarterback, Units and Result Maurer – 2 Offense vs. 1 Defense – Punt Hooker – 1 Offense vs. 2 Defense – TD Bailey – 3 Offense vs. 3 Defense – TD Maurer – 2 Offense vs. 1 Defense – FG Bailey – 1 Offense vs. 2 Defense – TD Hooker – 3 Offense vs. 3 Defense – TD Maurer – 2 Offense vs. 1 Defense – Punt Bailey – 1 Offense vs. 2 Defense – Punt Maurer – 3 Offense vs. 3 Defense – TD Hooker – 2 Offense vs. 1 Defense – INT Bailey – 1 Offense vs. 2 Defense – TD Maurer – 3 Offense vs. 3 Defense – Punt Hooker – 2 Offense vs. 1 Defense – Half Bailey – 2 Offense vs. 1 Defense – TD Maurer – 1 Offense vs. 2 Defense – TD Smith – 3 Offense vs. 3 Defense – TD Hooker – 1 Offense vs. 1 Defense – TD (only 1s vs. 1s matchup)
Total – 10 TDs in 17 drives Vince’s View: The offense (and the game overall) was pretty clean and efficient without mass confusion. The tempo looked pretty good, although I’m confident that the coaches feel like it can be even faster. I love the fact that UT isn’t constantly substituting and having receivers switch sides of the field. They have multiple play calls with plenty of route options at the same receiver spots along with some subtle, quick formation changes they can do off of that. That allows you to keep the tempo. I can’t tell you how many times UT would try to go fast during the Butch Jones era where WRs would keep switching sides of the field and trying to figure out where they needed to be, completely slowing down the tempo and helping the defense. If you sub, the defense can as well and it removes the wear down, fatigue factor.
Harrison Bailey Drives (5) 4 TDs (3 Off vs. 3 Def / 1 Off vs. 2 Def / 1 Off vs. 2 Def / 2 Off vs. 1 Def) 1 Punt (1 Off vs. 2 Def)
*3 drives with the 1st team offense
*1 drive vs. 1st team defense Vince’s View: The eye test backs-up the numbers of Bailey having the best day. He was the most accurate of the QBs. Even though it was with the 3s, he drew the defense offsides, knew he had a free play and smartly took a deep shot that was accurate for the 73-yard TD to Jack Jancek. Bailey looked like he wasn’t suffocated with limitations put on him by coaches. There should be a progression from his freshman season where he was thrown in too early. It should be noted that Bailey had the most drives with the first team offense. That’s a good sign. That also means he had the most help around him. Plus, he only faced the first team defense on one drive all day. There was a big drop-off on defense with the back-up units, so that surely helped to some degree.
Brian Maurer Drives (6) 2 TDs (3 Off vs. 3 Def / 1 Off vs. 2 Def) 1 FG (2 Off vs. 1 Def) 3 Punts (2 Off vs. 1 Def / 2 Off vs. 1 Def / 3 Off vs. 3 Def)
*1 drive with the 1st team offense
*3 drives vs. 1st team defense Vince’s View: Maurer only received one drive with the first team offense. He did lead that unit to a touchdown on that drive. Maurer showed his usual mobility and play-making potential outside the pocket. He does vacate the pocket too quick at times relying on his legs. He had an intentional grounding call that was unnecessary and threw near the ground on a wide receiver screen to Jalin Hyatt on the first drive that destroyed the play.
Hendon Hooker (5) 3 TDs (1 Off vs. 2 Def / 3 Off vs. 3 Def / 1 Off vs. 1 Def) 1 Half (2 Off vs. 1 Def) 1 INT (2 Off vs. 1 Def)
*2 drives with the 1st team offense
*3 drives vs. 1st team defense Vince’s View: Hooker, like Maurer, faced the 1st team defense the most. His success was spread out against all units. I thought Hooker was the smoothest in getting snaps off quickly. Obviously, the pick six was the one glaring negative for the QBs. Hooker also had some of the wildest misses.
Overall Unit Results 1st Team Offense: TD, TD, punt, TD, TD, TD 1st Team Defense: Punt, FG, Punt, INT, Half, TD, TD Vince’s View: The last drive was the only instance of 1s vs. 1s in the game. That certainly makes the evaluation and understanding of what we all saw more difficult. That’s where diving into who was on the field when and against whom is useful. The biggest takeaway from the team results and the eye test is that the 1st team defense (even missing a lot of likely starters) performed much better than the backups. That speaks to the lack of depth on defense. Even with everyone back, there are still plenty of unknowns about this defense under first-year DC, Tim Banks.
Other Standout Performers WR Cedric Tillman: Made two of the most impressive catches in the game to back-up an excellent spring where he’s trying to be this year’s Josh Palmer.
WR Velus Jones Jr.: Had an easy TD catch right after a 52-yard catch. He gets open and is a sure-fire starter.
TE Princeton Fant: All the tight ends saw work with multiple units because they only had four available bodies, three on scholarship. Plus, UT showed some two tight end looks. Fant led the tight ends in receptions with 4 for 56 yards. He split-out wide. He even ran a tight end slant, which has been a rarity on Rocky Top. He told us a few weeks back that he was excited about this offense and that he couldn’t wait to show everyone his passing game skills. He’s a former wide receiver, so the ability should be there despite being used as primarily a blocker. I think it’s a really nice sign that the coaching staff can identify and tap into his skills. How many others will they be able to do that with?
CB Warren Burrell: Not many brag-able plays on defense, but Burrell’s 34-yard pick-six was the D’s play of the day. I don’t believe a pass was completed against him. He had tight bump-and-run coverage and some off-coverage looks as well. He did have one pass interference call in the endzone. He also had a strong spring according to teammates.
OG Javontez Spraggins: He did a really nice job in this game and in spring practice. He cleaned out DL Dominic Bailey on a pull left from RG on a rushing TD for the first team. Cade Mays started at RG, but the physical Spraggins got some work there with the first team also. If he continues to play well and show he’s one of the best 5, that could kick Cade Mays out to LT pushing Dayne Davis to a reserve role. There are other potential scenarios as well since Cade Mays is likely the only sure starter in that group.
Concerns Defense: There was very little pass rush, especially from the back-ups. The depleted linebacking unit was on display. With the addition of QB Joe Milton as a transfer, linebacker and defensive line are one and two on the transfer portal priority wish list for Tennessee.
Specialists: Punter Paxton Brooks was inconsistent vs. air with no rush. He has a big leg and is the unquestioned starter. UT will need a better year from him. Place kickers Chase McGrath, USC transfer, and Toby Wilson made all their kicks, but those were a little low and line drive kicks. Wilson handled the short kicking duties last season after Brent Cimaglia was injured and opted out of the rest of the season.
Kenny Chesney knew that the song “Knowing You” was special — and even was a bit of his life story, so he also knew that the video for the song had to be something special too.
Kenny says, “One of the things about this video I love is the way you can feel the settings, and each location – whether in Gloucester, Mass. or the Virgin Islands — was selected because it feels the way these emotions actually feel.”
He also adds, “With all the visual ways people get information, it felt like this was a nice way to give people a taste of what’s to come… to let them see and feel everything this song holds, so that they could tell this song and this video is something more.”
Now Kenny takes you deeper behind the scenes with the Making of the Knowing You Video featurettes – Part 1 & 2…watch them here…
Now that you’ve watched the Making of — check out the finished music video for Kenny Chesney’s “Knowing You.”
Reba McEntire‘s powerful new song “Somehow You Do” – which is featured in the new movie Four Good Days — is available now.
Talking about the song, Reba says ““I definitely feel like the fans can relate to the overall message of this song. It does give hope when you’re down, depressed and you’re having problems in life. This song gives hope, and that’s what we all need.”
Reba thinks that the message of “Somehow You Do” fits perfectly with the theme of Four Good Days – “Well, the movie’s about a mother-daughter relationship dealing with drug addiction. It’s very emotional.”
Four Good Days stars Glenn Close as a mother trying to help her grown daughter, Mila Kunis, break the cycle of drug addiction.
When it comes to her music video for the track, Reba thinks the director did a great good of capturing the spirit of the song, “Jon Avnet did a great job on creating this concept. He thought about it a long time, he listened to the song…I’m really glad to be the recipient to bring it to life, and I hope you guys enjoy it as much as we did getting it together.”
Four Good Days opens on a limited run this Friday, with a wider release coming in May 21st.
Watch Reba McEntire’s music video for “Somehow You Do” right here…
You can also see the trailer for Four Good Days here…
What do you get when you have Lauren Alaina and Jon Pardi in a video for their song “Getting Over Him”? You get a good time!
Jon says, “Had a lot of fun with my girl Lauren Alaina filming this music video. Just a couple troublemakers having some fun (laugh)”
Of course Lauren knew Jon was just the right guy to make the song and the video a good time, “‘Getting Over Him’ is a song that I recorded with Jon Pardi who is one of my dear friends. I absolutely love him and his personality, and I knew that he we would be the perfect guy for it. It’s about going out and having a good time, and Jon Pardi is the definition of going out and having a good time.”
The couple in the music video have a very good time – as they are a modern day version of “Bonnie and Clyde”…check out the music video for “Getting Over Him” from Lauren and Jon right here…
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 4 Tennessee opens a four-game homestand with another in-state matchup on Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. against Lipscomb.
The Vols are coming off a series win on the road at Texas A&M after winning Sunday’s rubber game, 20-7. The 20 runs scored were the most by Tennessee in an SEC game since defeating Georgia 25-5 on May 8, 2010.
GAMEDAY INFORMATION
Relying on the expertise of public health authorities, the state of Tennessee, appropriate university and government agencies including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we are implementing a number of new initiatives at Tennessee Baseball gamedays this spring. The well-being of our student-athletes, fans and staff are our top priorities and guide our decisions. Exposure to COVID-19 is an inherent risk in any public location where people are present; we cannot guarantee you will not be exposed during your visit.
The Southeastern Conference in August released several conference-wide fan health and safety guidelines for all member institutions this fall. The Tennessee-specific measures outlined on this page are in line with, and in addition to, the SEC’s guidelines.
Parking
Baseball parking is located primarily in Lots GF1, G16, and C1.
Additional on-street parking is located in C10 along Todd Helton Dr. and Chamique Holdsclaw Dr. and along West Volunteer Blvd.
Handicap parking is located in marked handicap spaces on Pat Head Summitt St. and in the G16 Volunteer Blvd. garage. The 2021 parking map can be seen HERE (PDF).
For more information and gameday info, visit the Tennessee Baseball Gameday Information page by clicking HERE.
TICKET INFORMATION
Lindsey Nelson Stadium continues to operate with reduced capacity to align with state and local social-distancing guidelines for public gatherings.
Single-game tickets for remaining midweek games may be purchased by calling the Tennessee Athletic ticket office at 865-656-1200 or online at Allvols.com. For SEC Conference games, a limited number of single game tickets will go on sale at Lindsey Nelson Stadium 90 minutes prior to first pitch.
Single-game tickets may also be available for select games at the baseball ticket office based on visiting team ticket returns. Fans are encouraged to call the Ticket Office at 865-656-1200 for individual game availability. For weekend series, please contact the Ticket Office on Fridays before 5:00 p.m. Single-game tickets can also be purchased through Vivid Seats by clicking HERE.
In order to keep Lindsey Nelson Stadium as full as possible during a season with limited capacity, we are encouraging season ticket holders who are unable to use their tickets for a game(s) to either transfer your tickets to someone else (Instructions HERE), sell them on VividSeats (Information available at UTSports.com/cantmakethegame) or participate in our new Seats for Student program (Instructions HERE).
BROADCAST INFO
Tuesday’s game will be streamed live on SEC Network+ and the ESPN app as Roger Hoover (PxP) and Charlie Puleo (color) have the call.
Fans can also listen to the official Vol Network radio call on Sports Radio WNML (FM 99.1 / AM 990), as well as UTSports.com and the UT Gameday app. John Wilkerson and Vince Ferrara will call the action.
Overall: Tennessee leads, 11-1
In Knoxville: Tennessee leads, 8-0
In Nashville: Tennessee leads, 2-1
Neutral Sites: Tennessee leads, 1-0
Last Meeting: W, 11-2 (April 9, 2019)
Tennessee has won 11 of its 12 meetings against Lipscomb, including six straight entering Tuesday’s contest. The Vols have never lost to the Bisons in Knoxville.
NOTABLE
Rucker & Gilbert Take Home SEC Weekly Honors
Junior third baseman Jake Rucker and sophomore outfielder/pitcher Drew Gilbert both earned SEC weekly honors on Monday after big weekends at Texas A&M.
Rucker was UT’s best hitter last week, leading the team with a .556 batting average, 10 hits, six runs, four doubles, 17 total bases, a .944 slugging percentage and a .579 on-base percentage. Rucker recorded hits in all four games last week and tied his career high with three hits in all three games against Texas A&M over the weekend. The Greenbrier, Tennessee, native went 3-for-5 with two doubles and set a new career high with four runs scored in Sunday’s series finale. He also drove in a pair of runs as the Vols hammered the Aggies, 20-7, to take the series.
Gilbert showcased his versatility last week, doing damage at the plate while also pitching two scoreless innings in Tuesday’s midweek win over Tennessee Tech. The Stillwater, Minnesota, native had a hit in three of Tennessee’s four games and was second on the team with six RBI last week. His six hits also ranked second on the team for the week. Four of those hits came in Sunday’s rubber game at Texas A&M, tying a career high. He also scored two runs and had three RBI on the day to lead UT to an emphatic series-clinching win.
Going Yard
Tennessee has been on a major power surge recently. In the past two weeks, the Vols have hit 20 home runs in a span of just eight games, including nine in their series win at Texas A&M last weekend. The Big Orange blasted a season-high six homers in Sunday’s 20-7 victory to increase their season total to 54, which ranks fourth in the SEC and ninth in nation. Senior Evan Russell has been responsible for 12 of those 54 homers, which is tied for fifth in the SEC and 12th nationally. His 10 long balls in SEC play are the most in the league.
Non-Conference Dominance
UT has been close to unbeatable in non-conference and midweek games in the past couple of years. Since the start of the 2019 season, the Vols are 61-10 against non-conference foes. The Big Orange have also posted an impressive 37-6 record in midweek games since Vitello became head coach in 2018. Tennessee is 20-3 in non-conference games this season, including a 9-1 record in midweek contests.
Tennessee vs. In-State Foes
Tennessee has been successful against in-state competition since Vitello took over as head coach in 2018. The Vols are 20-11 against in-state teams in that span, including a 17-5 record against non-conference in-state foes.
OPPONENT SCOUT
Lipscomb Bisons
2021 Record: 13-22 (5-10 ASUN)
Rankings: Not Ranked
2019 Postseason: N/A
Head Coach: Jeff Forehand (15th season) // Winningest coach in program history (382 wins) and had led the Bisons to two Atlantic Sun titles and the program’s only two NCAA Tournament appearances (2008 & 2015).
Predicted ASUN Finish: 4th
Preseason All-ASUN Selections:
Tyler Guilfoil (RP)
Chaz Bertolani (C)
Haddon Adams (2B)
Maddux Houghton (OF)
Stat Leaders:
Batting Avg: Haddon Adams (.295)
Runs: Haddon Adams (25)
Hits: Haddon Adams/Tiger Borom (33)
Home Runs: Chris Bashlor (5)
RBI: Chris Bashlor (26)
Stolen Bases: Tiger Borom (9-13)
Wins: Tyler Guilfoil/Ike Buxton (3)
ERA (min. 15.0 IP): Tyler Guilfoil (1.11)
Innings Pitched: Max Habegger (41.0)
Strikeouts: Logan Van Treeck (44)
GAME PROMOTIONS
Upcoming promotions for all Tennessee athletics home events can be found on the UT Fan Experience page by clicking HERE.
Fans are encouraged to download the My All App for their phones and devices this season. The app is available on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store and will allow fans to participate in in-game trivia, the custom filter selfie cam and more throughout the year.
ON DECK
The Vols host SEC eastern division foe Kentucky for a Thursday through Sunday series later this week. Thursday’s series opener against the Wildcats is slated for a 7:30 p.m. first pitch on ESPNU.
Jake Rucker and Drew Gilbert – Vols / Credit: UT Athletics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee’s Jake Rucker and Drew Gilbert both earned weekly honors from the SEC, as announced by the conference on Monday afternoon.
Rucker was named the SEC Co-Player of the Week, while Gilbert earned Newcomer of the Week honors after helping lead the Vols to three victories last week, including a series win at Texas A&M.
Rucker was UT’s best hitter last week, leading the team with a .556 batting average, 10 hits, six runs, four doubles, 17 total bases, a .944 slugging percentage and a .579 on-base percentage. The junior third baseman recorded hits in all four games last week and tied his career high with three hits in all three games against Texas A&M over the weekend. The Greenbrier, Tennessee, native went 3-for-5 with two doubles and set a new career high with four runs scored in Sunday’s series finale. He also drove in a pair of runs as the Vols hammered the Aggies, 20-7, to take the series.
Rucker is the first Vol to take home SEC Player of the Week honors since Andre Lipcius on May 13, 2019.
Gilbert showcased his versatility last week, doing damage at the plate while also pitching two scoreless innings in Tuesday’s midweek win over Tennessee Tech. The Stillwater, Minnesota, native had a hit in three of Tennessee’s four games and was second on the team with six RBI last week. His six hits also ranked second on the team for the week. Four of those hits came in Sunday’s rubber game at Texas A&M, tying a career high. He also scored two runs and had three RBI on the day to lead UT to an emphatic series-clinching win.
Gilbert is the first Tennessee player to be named SEC Newcomer of the Week after the honor was created by the conference this season to award sophomores who did not get a chance to play any SEC games last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee softball’s doubleheader at Western Carolina, scheduled for April 27, has been canceled by a mutual decision between both programs.
The Lady Vols will hit the road this weekend as they travel to Auburn for a three-game series beginning April 30.
Dierks Bentley announced a run of shows for his High Times & Hangovers 2021 tour!
Dierks is heading out for 5 club shows in 5 nights starting May 11th.
It’s been 15 years since he’s headlined a High Times & Hangovers bar tour.
Dierks says, “5 shows in 5 NIGHTS. For the first time in a LONG time we’re bringing High Times & Hangovers club tour back… I’ll be playing a few smaller clubs with limited tickets available, but I wanted to see y’all and play a few shows sooner rather than later… so… who’s with me?”
HIGH TIMES & HANGOVERS TOUR DATES:
5/11/21 Isle of Palms SC – Windjammer
5/12/21 Greenville, SC – Blindhorse Saloon
5/13/21 Charlotte, NC – Coyote Joe’s
5/14/21 Gainesville, FL – Knockin Boots
5/15/21 Knoxville, TN – Cotton Eyed Joe
Dierks fan club can get tickets starting tomorrow, while the general public can get theirs this Friday, April 30th. For more info, head to www.dierks.com
This is surely one that fans will finally get to see Dierks play live — it’s his current single “Gone.”
