Sevier County, TN (WOKI) A Northview Junior Academy student has been charged with misdemeanor assault after threatening another student.
Officials with the Sevierville Police Department say school resource officers investigated a report of a Northview Junior Academy student threatening another student at the same school on Friday.
SPD reports the rumor was that there was going to be a school shooting that day, and if the victim told anyone, the suspect would slit the victim’s throat.
SPD confirmed it has consulted with the District Attorney’s Office regarding the misdemeanor assault charge of the student.
Additional information has not been released.
A Northview Junior Academy student has been charged with misdemeanor assault after threatening another student at the same school. (Courtesy: SPD on Facebook)
Gatlinburg, TN (WOKI) The grand celebration for the All-American classic burger known as GatlinBURGER Week is underway!
GatlinBURGER Week runs through Saturday, September 21 and features participating restaurants showing off their unique take on the classic burger, ranging from Italian-infused to Grecian-inspired and more.
Download the Visit Gatlinburg App to participate in the GatlinBURGER Week Challenge and cast your vote for your favorite burger and the chance to become an official Burger Master.
Burger Masters will win unique prizes and be entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize of a Gatlinburg getaway.
For a list of participating restaurants and to learn more about participating in GatlinBURGER Week, click here.
GatlinBURGER Week will run from Sept. 15 through Sept. 21. (Courtesy: WVLT)
Knoxville Police are investigating multiple crashes near the University of Tennessee campus involving drunk drivers.
It happened Saturday night and one crash involved a SUV which crashed and rolled several times into World’s Fair park. No pedestrians were hit but the driver was arrested for DUI.
KPD reminding drivers if you have been drinking, do not drive, driving under the influence will not be tolerated.
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — Donald Trump was the target of what the FBI said “appears to be an attempted assassination” at his golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Sunday, just nine weeks after the Republican presidential nominee survived another attempt on his life. The former president said he was safe and well, and authorities held a man in custody.
U.S. Secret Service agents posted a few holes up from where Trump was playing noticed the muzzle of an AK-style rifle sticking through the shrubbery that lines the course, roughly 400 yards away.
An agent fired and the gunman dropped the rifle and fled in an SUV, leaving the firearm behind along with two backpacks, a scope used for aiming and a GoPro camera, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. The man was later stopped by law enforcement and taken into custody in a neighboring county.
He had a calm, flat demeanor and showed little emotion when he was stopped and didn’t question why he was pulled over, according Martin County Sheriff William Snyder.
“He never asked, ‘what is this about?’ Obviously, law enforcement with long rifles, blue lights, a lot going on. He never questioned it,” Snyder said.
It was the latest jarring moment in a campaign year marked by unprecedented upheaval. On July 13, Trump was shot during a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and a bullet grazed his ear. Eight days later, Democratic President Joe Biden withdrew from the race, giving way for Vice President Kamala Harris to become the party’s nominee.
And it was sure to add to the questions about Secret Service protective operations after the agency’s admitted failures in preventing the attempted assassination of Trump this summer.
In an email to supporters, Trump said: “There were gunshots in my vicinity, but before rumors start spiraling out of control, I wanted you to hear this first: I AM SAFE AND WELL!” He wrote: “Nothing will slow me down. I will NEVER SURRENDER!”
Former President Donald Trump said in a fundraising email that he is “safe and well” following a shooting near his golf course in Florida.(TRUMP CAMPAIGN via CNN Newsource)
He returned to Mar-a-Lago, his private club in Palm Beach where he lives, according to a person familiar with Trump’s movements who was not authorized to discuss them publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
It was not immediately clear whether the incident would affect his campaign schedule. He was set to speak from Florida about cryptocurrency live on Monday night on the social media site X for the launch of his sons’ crypto platform. He planned a town hall Tuesday in Flint, Michigan, with his former press secretary, Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, followed by a rally Wednesday on New York’s Long Island.
An email to Trump campaign staffers obtained by AP said, “This is not a matter that we take lightly. Your safety is always our top priority. We ask that you remain vigilant in your daily comings and goings.”
“As we enter the last 50 days of President Trump’s campaign, we must remember that we will only be able save America from those who seek to destroy it by working together as one team.”
Biden and Harris were briefed and would be kept updated on the investigation. The White House said they were “relieved” to know Trump is safe.
Harris, in a statement, also said “violence has no place in America.”
In the aftermath, Trump checked in with allies, including running mate Ohio Sen. JD Vance, South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham and several Fox News hosts.
Fox News host Sean Hannity recounted on air his conversation with Trump and the former president’s golf partner, Steve Witkoff.
They told Hannity they had been on the fifth hole and about to go up to putt when they heard a “pop pop, pop pop.” Within seconds, he said Witkoff recounted, Secret Service agents “pounced on” Trump and “covered him” to protect him.
Trump had returned to Florida this weekend from a West Coast swing that included a Friday night rally in Las Vegas and a Utah fundraiser. His campaign had not advised about any public plans for Trump on Sunday. He often spends the morning playing golf, before having lunch at the club, one of three he owns in the state.
He has had a stepped-up security footprint since the assassination attempt in July. When he has been at Trump Tower in New York, parked dump trucks have formed a wall outside the building. At outdoor rallies, he now speaks from behind an enclosure of bulletproof glass.
The Florida golf course was partially shut down for Trump as he played, but there are several areas around the perimeter of the property where golfers are visible from the fence line. Secret Service agents and officers in golf carts and on ATVs generally secure the area several holes ahead and behind Trump when he plays. Agents also usually bring an armored vehicle onto the course to shelter Trump quickly should a threat arise.
Photos that show an AK-47 rifle, a backpack and a Go-Pro camera on a fence outside Trump International Golf Club taken after an apparent assassination attempt of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump, are displayed during a news conference at the Palm Beach County Main Library, Sunday. Sept. 15, 2024, in West Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephany Matat)(AP)
The Palm Beach County sheriff said the entire golf course would have been lined with law enforcement if Trump were the president, but because he is not, “security is limited to the areas that the Secret Service deems possible.”
“I would imagine that the next time he comes to the golf course, there will probably be a little more people around the perimeter,” Bradshaw said. “But the Secret Service did exactly what they should have done, they provided exactly what the protection should have been and their agent did a fantastic job.”
Former presidents and their spouses have Secret Service protection for life, but the security around former presidents varies according to threat levels and exposure, with the toughest typically being in the immediate aftermath of their leaving office.
Trump’s protective detail has been higher than some other former presidents because of his high visibility and his campaign to seek the White House again.
The man in custody was Ryan Routh, three law enforcement officials told the AP. The officials who identified the suspect spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the ongoing investigation.
The FBI was leading the investigation and was working to determine any motive. Attorney General Merrick Garland was receiving regular updates. Agents with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives were helping investigate.
This photo provided by the Martin County Sheriff’s Office shows Sheriff’s vehicles surrounding an SUV on the northbound I-95 in Martin County on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office via AP)(AP)
“The FBI has responded to West Palm Beach Florida and is investigating what appears to be an attempted assassination of former President Trump,” the bureau said.
News reporters were not with Trump on Sunday. Bucking tradition, Trump’s campaign has not arranged to have a protective pool of reporters travel with him, as is standard for major party nominees and for the president. Harris does not have a protective pool at all times, but does allow reporters to travel with her for public events.
Snyder, the Martin County sheriff, said the suspect was apprehended within minutes of the FBI, Secret Service and Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office putting out a “very urgent BOLO” — or “be on the lookout” alert detailing the specific vehicle sought, license plate number and description of the occupant.
Snyder said his deputies “immediately flooded” northbound I-95, deploying to every exit between the Palm Beach County line to the south and St. Lucie County line to the north.
“One of my road patrol units saw the vehicle, matched the tag and we set up on the vehicle,” Snyder said, “We pinched in on the car, got it safely stopped and got the driver in custody.”Martin County Sheriff William D. Snyder gives a press briefing on the shooting near former president Donald Trump’s golf course. (WPTV)
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Richer, Long, Tucker and Miller reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Lindsay Whitehurst in Washington, Michael Balsamo, Jill Colvin, Michelle L. Price and Michael R. Sisak in New York, and Meg Kinnard in Houston contributed to this report.
Original Story: WASHINGTON (AP) — Donald Trump was safe after gunshots were reported in his vicinity Sunday afternoon in Florida, his campaign and the Secret Service said.
It was not immediately clear whether the reported shots were targeted at the Republican presidential nominee.
The U.S. Secret Service said it was investigating and that the incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. “The former president is safe,” according to the Secret Service.
Roughly two months ago, Trump was shot during an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania, and a bullet grazed his ear.
Trump had returned to Florida this weekend from a West Coast swing that included a Friday night rally in Las Vegas and a Utah fundraiser.
The campaign did not immediately provide any additional details.
No injuries were reported, according to a spokesperson for the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office in Florida.
A law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation said officials were trying to determine whether the shots were fired near Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course or on the grounds. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity.
Trump often spends the morning playing golf, before having lunch at the Trump International Golf Club West Palm Beach, one of three he owns in the state.
Trump has had a stepped-up security footprint since the assassination attempt in July. When he has been at Trump Tower in New York, a lineup of dump trucks have parked in a wall outside the building. And at outdoor rallies, he now speaks from behind an enclosure of bulletproof glass.
A message sent to campaign officials seeking information on the security status and location of Ohio Sen. JD Vance, Trump’s running mate, was not immediately returned.
Max Egusquiza, of Palm Beach, described the emergency response outside Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course.
“From what I saw 5 black unmarked SUVs blocked in a grey Mercedes in front of the golf course. There were about 20 or more cop cars flying from nearby streets,” he said.
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Colvin reported from New York. Associated Press writer Michael R. Sisak in New York contributed to this report. Story courtesy of WVLT
CONWAY, S.C. – The 16th-ranked Tennessee Lady Vols finished with 15 aces, a 25-point rallying scoring era record for the program, to best Coastal Carolina in four sets (24-26, 25-18, 25-18, 25-18) on Saturday night at HTC Center.
UT’s previous school record for aces was 12, which occurred on five occasions, including twice last season against Wisconsin and Marist. The Lady Vols (4-2) have posted double-digit aces in a match 10 times during the Eve Rackham Watt era, including five times in the last two seasons. Five different players recorded multiple aces on the night.
Tennessee had 47 kills on 43 assists to go along with its 15 aces, and defensively, the Big Orange recorded 49 digs and five blocks while holding the Chanticleers (3-5) to .180 hitting on the night.
Right side hitter Paityn Chapman, the reigning SEC Freshman of the Week, led the way offensively, posting 12 kills on .357 hitting, three aces, two blocks and one dig. Graduate student outside Nina Cajic added 11 kills, six digs, three aces and an assist. Redshirt junior middle blocker Emily Beeker added seven kills on .385 hitting and three blocks, while junior middle blocker Keondreya Granberry finished with five kills and two blocks.
Reigning SEC Player and Setter of the Week Caroline Kerr enjoyed a strong all-around performance, posting 33 assists, eight digs, six kills, four aces and two blocks. On the back row, junior outside Hayden Kubik finished with a career-high 17 digs to go along with six kills and two assists. Senior libero Ashllyn King had six digs and two assists, while senior libero Abby Ekeler recorded five digs, three aces and an assist. Sophomore defensive specialist Sydney Jaynes rounded things out with four digs and a pair of aces.
The Chanticleers took the opening frame thanks to a 6-0 run that gave them an early 11-6 advantage. The Lady Vols would fight back to even things up at 24-24, but Coastal Carolina closed out the set to gain the early momentum. Tennessee hit .186 in the period with seven attacking errors.
The Big Orange evened things up in the second stanza, holding CCU to .156 hitting. The Lady Vols jumped out to the early advantage, but the Chanticleers pulled within two at 18-16. From there, UT finished the set on a 7-2 swing. Tennessee had four aces and 10 kills in the frame.
The Lady Vols dominated the third set, cruising to an 25-18 win. The Big Orange once again found success at the service line, dropping in five aces in the period to keep the momentum on its side. UT sealed the deal in the fourth frame, never trailing or being tied with Coastal Carolina en route to the victory.
Up next, the Lady Vols and Chanticleers face off again Sunday at 1 p.m. ET. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
Game Recap: Football | September 14, 2024 | Eric Trainer
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. –Dylan Sampson ran for four first-half touchdowns, as No. 7/9 Tennessee exploded for 37 first-quarter points en route to a record-setting 71-0 shutout of Kent State in front of a sellout crowd of 101,915 on Saturday night at Neyland Stadium.
The Vols (3-0) surpassed their previous scoring standard in a quarter (35), which was set in an opening period at home vs. Arkansas on Nov. 11, 2000. They proceeded to produce a modern era (1937-present) scoring best in a half as well, rolling up 65 points in the opening 30 minutes to topple the previous pinnacle of 52 in the first half vs. UT Martin on Oct. 22, 2022. Their final point total also was a modern-day best, replacing the old mark from a 70-3 win over the University of Louisiana Monroe on Sept. 23, 2000, and it stands as the most generated by the squad from Rocky Top since 1929.
Additionally, Saturday night’s scoring onslaught vs. the Golden Flashes (0-3) made it the first time since 1913 and only the second time in program annals that the Big Orange tallied 50 points in each of its first three games. UT put 69 and 51 on the scoreboard in its first two outings this season vs. Chattanooga and NC State, while the 1913 squad featured a 58-0 win over Carson-Newman, a 95-0 whitewashing of Athens and a 75-0 shutout of Maryville.
Individually, Sampson rushed for 66 yards and three scores in the first 15 minutes and finished with 101 yards and four TDs on 13 attempts. He became the first Vol in the modern era with four rushing touchdowns in a half and tied the modern-day school single-game record with that total. DeSean Bishop joined Sampson with a 100-yard day of his own, carding his first effort above the century mark as a Vol with 120 yards and a career-high two touchdowns on only seven carries.
Quarterback Nico Iamaleava finished 10-of-16 passing for 173 yards and a long touchdown pass to Chris Brazzell II in the first quarter. The signal-caller helped the Vols to a 541 to 23 differential in total yardage in the first half, including a 21-3 advantage in first downs. Tennessee finished with a 740 to 112 edge, with the Vols’ offensive production setting a program record and tying as the 10th best in SEC history. Its 456 yards rushing ranks as the fourth highest in the school record book.
Defensively, Tennessee limited the Golden Flashes to an opponent’s lowest total yardage of the Josh Heupel era with that 112 mark. The previous low of 143 came last Saturday night vs. NC State. UT also extended its streak of not allowing an offensive touchdown to 16 straight quarters.
After forcing Kent State to a three-and-out on the game’s first possession, the Vols needed only seven plays and a minute and 25 seconds to seize the lead. Sampson burst off left tackle and raced into the north end zone from 22 yards out to cap a warp-speed 73-yard drive. Max Gilbert’s PAT staked the Vols to a 7-0 advantage with 11:33 remaining in the opening stanza.
On the next drive for the Golden Flashes, a bad snap from center on third and 10 from the KSU 25 resulted in a safety, making it 9-0 Vols with 10:35 remaining. UT then accepted the ensuing kick and navigated 48 yards in seven plays, with Sampson plunging in from the one. Gilbert’s PAT boosted the lead to 16-0 with 8:11 still on the clock in the first frame.
Tennessee struck three times more in the first period, getting a 51-yard touchdown pass from Iamaleava to Brazzell at the 5:56 mark, a 53-yard TD run from Bishop with 3:35 left and Sampson’s third scoring run of the day, once again from a yard out. Gilbert booted all three PATs to send the Vols into the second frame with an eye-popping 37-0 lead.
Bishop continued the Big Orange scoring parade in the second quarter, carrying 47 yards for his second score with 13:06 remaining, and then Sampson added his fourth via a 14-yard scamper at the 7:49 mark. Reserve quarterback Gaston Moore came on in relief of Iamaleava and carded his first two career TD tosses, connecting with tight end Miles Kitselman for a 15-yard strike with 3:06 left before the half and then firing an 18-yard dart to wide receiver Mike Matthews with 19 seconds remaining. Gilbert was good on all four PATs, sending UT into the locker room with a 65-0 lead.
With the foot off the gas and reserves manning all the positions, the Vols scored just twice in the second half. Max Gilbert kicked field goals of 36 and 21 in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, to close out the scoring.
UP NEXT Tennessee begins Southeastern Conference play next Saturday night, as it travels to Norman to take on No. 15/13 Oklahoma (3-0) in Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m. ET, and the contest will be televised by ABC.
An investigation is underway and the search for suspects is underway following a shooting in East Knoxville.
Knoxville Police called to the Kwik Pantry in the 4800 block of Asheville Highway and found a man who’d been shot in the leg.
Police say there was a conflict inside the store involving the victim and two male suspects, when one of the suspects fired at the victim multiple times. The victim was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Anyone with information is asked to contact East Tennessee Valley Crimestoppers at 865-215-7165.
A teen lucky to be alive after a single vehicle crash in Grainger County.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol along with several agencies responding to a on Lakeshore Drive at Sam Heim Road Saturday afternoon. The preliminary investigation shows a 17-year-old driving a Ford Expedition south on Lakeshore Drive tried to negotiate a curve before running off the right side of the road and struck a tree and rolled over before coming to rest.
The injured teen was wearing a seatbelt and THP says no charges will be filed.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – No. 7/9 Tennessee will look to continue its torrid start to the season when it welcomes Kent State to Neyland Stadium for a matchup under the lights on Saturday night.
The Vols enter this weekend’s contest ranked second nationally in scoring offense at 60.0 points per game following back-to-back dominating wins over Chattanooga and NC State.
NEYLAND STADIUM, PRESERVED BY PILOT
Last month, Tennessee Athletics and Pilot broke new ground in college sports by entering a multi-year partnership that preserves the iconic venue’s name and enhances the stadium experience for future generations. Under the terms of the agreement, which is slated for up to 20 years and could extend further, the names of Neyland Stadium and Shields-Watkins Field remain unchanged. Pilot is designated as the presenting partner of the Neyland Stadium renovation project and the official travel stop of Tennessee Athletics.
Neyland Stadium. Home of the Vols. Proudly preserved by Pilot.
BROADCAST INFO
Saturday’s game will be televised on the SEC Network with Tom Hart (PxP), Jordan Rodgers (analyst) and Cole Cubelic (sideline analyst) on the call. Coverage will begin at 7:45 p.m. with kickoff slated for 7:55 p.m.
UT fans can listen to Tennessee’s official radio broadcast on the Vol Network (Local: WIVK-FM 107.7/WNML-FM 99.1) over 65 stations across the state of Tennessee and the southeast, SiriusXM (Ch. 161 or 190) and the SiriusXM app (Ch. 960), as well as the Varsity App. A live audio stream of the broadcast will also be available on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics App. A Vol Network celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2024.
Bob Kesling (PxP), VFL Pat Ryan (analyst) and Brent Hubbs (analyst) will call the action, with VFL Jayson Swain handling sideline duties for the Vol Network radio broadcast. The Big Orange Countdown pregame show begins two hours prior to kickoff at 5:45 p.m. The pregame show is hosted by John Wilkerson, Brent Hubbs, VFL Jayson Swain and a rotating VFL special guest each week.
The Spanish broadcast is available locally on WNML-AM 990 with Carlos Lopez (play-by-play) and VFL Fuad Reveiz on the call. That version is also available on UTSports.com and the Tennessee Athletics app.
The gameday timeline as well as other important information is listed below.
Will Call Opens at Gate 21 – 3:45 p.m. Truly’s Tailgate Opens – 3:45 p.m. Vol Village Opens – 4:15 p.m. Vol Walk – 5:30 p.m. Gates Open – 5:45 p.m. Pride of the Southland Band March – 6:05 p.m. (Pedestrian Bridge) Pride of the Southland Band Pregame Performance Begins – 7:41 p.m. National Anthem/Flyover – 7:43 p.m. *Flyover performed by a C-17 from 317th Airlift Squadron – Joint Base Charleston, S.C. Vols Run Through the T – 7:52 p.m. Kickoff – 7:55 p.m.
NEW NEYLAND STADIUM FAN ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2024
A host of new fan enhancements are in place this season.
RockyTopWiFi, Neyland Stadium’s Wi-Fi system, debuted during the 2023 season and is fully functional throughout Neyland Stadium for the 2024 campaign. Fans are encouraged to utilize the network and stay connected on their mobile devices during the game.
Other fan enhancements include but are not limited to upgraded speakers, new televisions, trading cards, commemorative tickets and various concession upgrades throughout the stadium.
For more information on all the new Neyland Stadium fan enhancements for this season, click HERE.
TICKETS AND PARKING
Tickets for Saturday’s game are officially sold out. Tickets and parking passes to all Tennessee Athletics events, including football, are 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.
Fans are encouraged to download the new and improved Tennessee Athletics App, which houses the GBO Zone, allowing fans to play trivia, take part in stadium light shows and much more.
Search “Tennessee Athletics” in the Apple or Google Play Store or use this LINK to download.
GAMEDAY EVENTS & ACTIVITIES
Vol Village Presented by Toyota: Vol Village presented by Toyota, 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. Located across from Circle Park, Vol Village features live music, food trucks and beverage stations, interactive displays and fun activities for all ages.
Vol Village will highlight a new artist or band during each home game with a pregame concert series, providing Vol fans with the ultimate pregame atmosphere. Brian Clay will be this week’s featured artist. Vol Village opens at 4:15 p.m. for Saturday’s game.
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 to Truly’s this season is the addition of the Vintage Volunteer Shop, where fans can purchase classic gameday merchandise with all their favorite marks and logos.
Truly’s will open at 3:45 p.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.
Defensive Domination Tennessee’s defense has not surrendered a touchdown in three straight games dating back to last season’s Citrus Bowl victory. That is the longest streak for the Vols since three straight contests in 1985. That year, UT allowed six points to Georgia Tech on Oct. 26 (two field goals), shutout Rutgers on Nov. 2 and held Memphis to seven points on Nov. 9 (blocked punt return for a touchdown). In the FBS this season, the Vols rank fourth in third-down defense (4-26, .154), sixth in total defense (185.0 ypg), 10th in scoring defense (6.5 ppg), 10th in red zone defense (2-4) and 11th in rushing defense (56.5 ypg).
In last week’s 51-10 win over No. 24/23 NC State, UT’s defense limited the Wolfpack to just 143 yards of total offense (104 passing, 39 rushing) – the fewest yards allowed during the Josh Heupel era. NC State was only able to manage 27 yards of offense in the second half. The Big Orange also racked up 13 tackles for loss on the night – the second most in a game during defensive coordinator Tim Banks‘ tenure.
Sampson’s Super Start Junior running back Dylan Sampson is off to a stellar start to the 2024 campaign. The Baton Rouge, Louisiana, native enters week three leading the SEC in total rushing yards (256) and rushing yards per game (128.0) while his five rushing touchdowns are tied for first in the league and third nationally.
Dating back to last season, Sampson has posted three consecutive 100-yard rushing performances and has found pay dirt 13 times in his last 14 games played. During last Saturday’s victory over NC State, Sampson posted a career-best 169 all-purpose yards to go along with two touchdowns to lead the Vols to a rout in Charlotte.
Tennessee Tight End Trio Thriving UT’s tight end room is the deepest it’s been throughout the Heupel era and has shined early and often through two games this season. All three of the Vols’ primary tight ends – Ethan Daivs, Miles Kitselman and Holden Staes – have already reeled in a touchdown catch this year. Both Kitselman and Staes found the end zone in last weekend’s win over the Wolfpack.
Tennessee’s tight ends have recorded at least one receiving touchdown in four straight games dating back to last season’s victory over Vanderbilt. They have combined for six touchdowns during that four-game stretch, including three this season.
The Neyland Effect Neyland Stadium is once again one of the nation’s most electric environments and toughest places to play for visiting teams. Over the past two seasons, the Vols are 14-1 inside of its confines, outscoring opponents 709-280. In the Josh Heupel era (since 2021), UT is 19-4 at home and has outscored its opponents 1,038-458 with 16 of those wins coming by double digits. Tennessee’s 14 home wins since the start of the 2022 season are tied for third in the nation and tied for second in the SEC.
Neyland Stadium will be sold out for 15th consecutive game on Saturday. UT has ranked in the top five nationally in attendance in each of the last two seasons, ranking No. 3 in total attendance (713,405) and No. 4 in average attendance (101,915) while leading the SEC in attendance in 2023.
SERIES HISTORY
Tennessee vs. Kent State: 0-0-0 (First Meeting) Saturday will mark the first ever meeting on the gridiron between the Vols and Golden Flashes.
It will be the third time that UT is facing an opponent from the state of Ohio in the Heupel era and the fourth time taking on a MAC opponent in that span. The Vols defeated Bowling Green, 38-6, in Heupel’s first game on Sept. 2, 2021, and also bested Ball State (59-10 in 2022) and Akron (63-6 in 2022).
Tennessee has a 10-0 record against current (MAC) teams: Akron (3-0), Ball State (1-0), Bowling Green (2-0), Buffalo (1-0), Ohio (2-0) and Northern Illinois (1-0).
ABOUT KENT STATE
Kent State is led by head coach Kenni Burns, who is in his second season with the Golden Flashes after serving as the assistant head coach at Minnesota. Kent State returned nine offensive and six defensive starters from last year’s team that finished 1-11.
The wide receiver duo of Luke Floriea and Chrishon McCray has been effective to start this season with a pair of touchdowns each while accounting for 21 of the team’s 37 receptions and 290 of the squad’s 383 yards through the air. Junior quarterback Devin Kargman has played the majority of the snaps under center through two games and has completed 33 of 66 pass attempts for 374 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions.
Junior defensive end Kameron Olds has led the charge defensively for the Golden Flashes with 3.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, 10 total tackles and a pass breakup. Fellow defensive lineman Stephen Daley has also been effective, posting three TFLs and a sack to go along with 13 tackles and a fumble recovery. Linebackers Rocco Nicholl and Mason Woods enter the game tied for the team lead in tackles with 14 apiece.
