Tennessee head coach Jeremy Pruitt held his postgame Zoom press conference after the home loss to Kentucky 34-7.

Was it a hangover from the Georgia defeat?
Was it overconfidence against a team you’ve beaten 33 of the last 35 matchups?
Or was it a team that can’t win with a fifth-year senior at quarterback who has had more ups than downs than a yo-yo during a spotty career?
Whatever the case, a Tennessee team many thought was headed in the right direction took a major turn for the worse, falling to Kentucky 34-7 at Neyland Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Tennessee, a touchdown favorite, seemed to pick up where it left off last week against Georgia, when the Bulldogs outscored the Vols 27-0 in the second half.
The Vols committed four turnovers on four consecutive possessions in the first half – two were pick sixes – and were never in the game after Kentucky marched 76 yards for a third-quarter score to make it 24-7.
In the past six quarters, Tennessee has been outscored 61-7 but two East division teams.
That’s not exactly gaining on the competition.
Guarantano, who has had far too few good moments as UT’s quarterback, was horrific. He threw two pick sixes, got benched for a series, returned without being effective then was retired in the fourth quarter when the Wildcats went up 34-7.
The outcome left Tennessee coach Jeremy Pruitt fuming and second-guessing a number of things: Like throwing a 25-yard out route on third-and 4, like lack of effort after an opponent’s interception, like questioning whether his players are preparing properly.
Then, there’s the biggest question: Does Pruitt make a change at quarterback or stick with Guarantano next week against Alabama?
“Undecided,’’ Pruitt said.
After benching Guarantano, Pruitt went with JT Shrout then true freshman Harrison Bailey, who made a nice 24-yard completion on his only possession, but the 10-play drive stalled at the 10-yard line.
Pruitt was unhappy with the play call on third-and-4 from the UT 39-yard line that led to Kentucky’s first pick-six, a 41-yard return by LSU transfer Kelvin Joseph.
“That was a bad throw and a bad call – a 54-yard out route for 4 yards,’’ Pruitt said. “What’s the risk/reward there? … That’s nobody’s fault but mine.’’
Actually, it was offensive coordinator Jim Chaney’s fault. He made the call.
It’s not a call Chaney will likely make again as UT’s play caller.
“I’ve never been a big fan of throwing a 35-yard out route to gain 4 yards,’’ Pruitt said. “I don’t believe in the risk/reward.’’
That wasn’t the only thing that had Pruitt boiling.
Pruitt said he’s never been part of a team in which when the offense has a turnover, the other team scores or gets prime field position.
“That’s something that has to stop … for us to have a chance to win the damn game,’’ Pruitt said.
Was it lack of effort?
“Absolutely,’’ Pruitt said. “I’m going to call it like it is.’’
Pruitt said he coached a game in which his team won 9-6 because of a great effort by an offensive player to top the interceptor at the half-yard-line, forcing a field goal.
“That’s how you build a winning team,’’ Pruitt said.
Considering the way UT has been played in the last six quarters, Pruitt was asked if his team has lost some confidence.
“Probably should, right?’’ Pruitt said.
Unlike in the Georgia game, Pruitt was pleased with the performance of his offensive line, which generated a 14-play, 75-yard scoring drive before the half; 12 were runs.
“I thought the offensive line blocked pretty good, to be honest,’’ Pruitt said. “I was disappointed in the running backs for not making yards after contact.’’
That didn’t apply to Eric Gray, who had 128 yards on 24 carries.
While the line did well run blocking, pass protection continues to be an issue, particularly at both tackle positions.
Still, Pruitt said he thinks UT can “fix’’ the offensive problems. He was more worried about the defense, which stuffed Kentucky in the first half (75 yards on 25 plays) but got whipped by UK’s run game in the second half (161 rush yards).
Pruitt questioned some of his players commitment to preparation.
“Talent don’t equal a good football player,’’ he said.
Pruitt told the story of leaving the office Wednesday at 1 am, seeing a TV on and noticing linebacker Henry To’o To’o watching tape of Kentucky.
“That’s how he goes about his business,’’ Pruitt said. “He puts the time and effort in. That’s why he plays so well.’’
Pruitt indicated not all of UT players put forth that effort.
It seemed to show in the worse loss to Kentucky since 1935.
NOTES: UT had won 17 in a row at home against Kentucky until Saturday … Cornerback Alontae Taylor (hamstring) did not play as he battled the same injury that caused him to miss time during camp. … Linebacker Jeremy Banks (ankle) left the game but Pruitt did not know the results of X-rays. … Pruitt and UT were fined $100,000 by the SEC because Pruitt did not wear his mask properly during the Georgia game.
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By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
Each week, I’ll share my predictions and info on SEC football games.
Below is broadcast info and analysis for Week 4 in the SEC.
These are straight-up winners only. The point spread is just as a barometer for how big of a favorite or underdog each team is.
2019 SEC Game Prediction Record: 103-20 (84%)
2020 SEC Week 3 Game Prediction Record: 5-2 (71%)
2020 SEC Season Prediction Record: 17-4 (81%)
WEEK 4 – SEC FOOTBALL
SATURDAY, October 17
#14 Auburn (2-1, 2-1 SEC) at South Carolina (1-2, 1-2 SEC)
Noon ET • ESPN
Columbia, S.C. • Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250)
Series: AU leads, 10-1-1
Last: AU, 42-35 (2014 in Auburn)
Sirius: 135/133 • XM: 192/191
Point Spread: Auburn -3
Vince’s View: South Carolina has been competitive in losses to ranked teams, Florida and Tennessee then ran away from Vandy last week. Auburn was blown out in its loss and didn’t play well in their wins. Auburn tends to play sleepy in early kickoffs. Auburn’s troubles on the line of scrimmage are where South Carolina has played well. Another SEC upset.
Score Prediction: South Carolina 27 Auburn 24
Kentucky (1-2, 1-2 SEC) at #18 Tennessee (2-1, 2-1 SEC)
Noon ET • SEC Network
Knoxville, Tenn. • Neyland Stadium (102,455)
Series: UT leads, 81-25-9
Last: UT, 17-13 (2019 in Lexington)
Sirius:138 • XM: 382/190
Point Spread: Tennessee -6 ½
Vince’s View: Kentucky’s lack of a passing game doesn’t give them a chance to exploit Tennessee’s weakness through three weeks, it’s pass defense, especially in the slot. The Wildcats should get some yards, but UT’s defense does a nice job in the redzone and containing teams off turnovers and short fields. The Vols will be inconsistent, but again, overcome mistakes against UK they could not versus Georgia. Tennessee’s balance on offense will net the Vols enough points to get the home win.
Score Prediction: Tennessee 24 Kentucky 20
Ole Miss (1-2, 1-2 SEC) at Arkansas (1-2, 1-2 SEC)
3:30 p.m. ET • ESPN2
Fayetteville, Ark. • Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
Series: ARK leads, 36-28-1
Last: UM, 31-17 (2019 in Oxford)
Sirius: 133 • XM: 387/191
Point Spread: Ole Miss -1 ½
Vince’s View: I think this game will fall somewhere in the middle of shootout (Ole Miss) and low scoring (Arkansas.) The Razorbacks continue to show how competitive the team is this season. I think the Rebels defense actually makes a play (not many, just one) to seal the road victory.
Score Prediction: Ole Miss 35 Arkansas 31
#11 Texas A&M (2-1, 2-1 SEC) at Mississippi State (1-2, 1-2 SEC)
4 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Starkville, Miss. • Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field (61,337)
Series: MSU leads, 7-6
Last: TAMU, 49-30 (2019 in College Station)
Sirius: 83/138 • XM: 83/190
Point Spread: Texas A&M -5
Vince’s View: So, is the Leach train off the tracks already or this another vintage rise-up win for a Mike Leach coached team? When A&M commits to the run and has balance on offense, that offense can be pretty prolific. MSU has the 5th best rush defense in the FBS, so it won’t likely be easy. Kellen Mond is the key. If he plays well, typically, so do the Aggies.
Score Prediction: Texas A&M 31 Mississippi State 21
#3 Georgia (3-0, 3-0 SEC) at #2 Alabama (3-0, 3-0 SEC)
8 p.m. ET • CBS
Tuscaloosa, Ala. • Bryant-Denny Stadium (101,821)
Series: UA leads, 40-25-4
Last: UA, 35-28 (2018 in SEC Championship Game)
Sirius: 138/84 • XM: 190/84
Point Spread: Alabama -5
Vince’s View: Not having Nick Saban on the sideline (if that is in fact the case) will impact Alabama, however, not enough to lose this game. The elite Bama offense vs. the elite Georgia defense will be so much fun. That means the other units and special teamw will determine the winner. Georgia’s offense isn’t like Ole Miss, so Alabama’s defense will look much better and make enough plays to lead the Crimson Tide to a win, in what could be the first of maybe 2 or 3 meetings this season.
Score Prediction: Alabama 28 Georgia 23
Postponed
Vanderbilt (0-3, 0-3 SEC) at Missouri (1-2, 1-2 SEC)
LSU (1-2, 1-2 SEC) at #10 Florida (2-1, 2-1 SEC)
Here’s a release on the SEC schedule changes from the league.
SEC ANNOUNCES FOOTBALL SCHEDULE CHANGES
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (October 16, 2020) – The SEC is adjusting its football schedule following the postponement of two games originally scheduled for October 17 due to positive tests and quarantine of individuals related to COVID-19.
On Monday it was announced that, due to positive tests and quarantine in the Vanderbilt football program, the Vanderbilt at Missouri game of Oct. 17 is rescheduled for Dec. 12.
On Wednesday it was announced that, due to positive tests and quarantine in the Florida football program, the LSU at Florida game of Oct. 17 is rescheduled for Dec. 12. In addition, due to an extended pause of team activities for the Florida football program at the advice of health officials, the Missouri at Florida game originally scheduled for Oct. 24 is rescheduled for Oct. 31 and will be televised on the SEC Network Alternate channel at 7:30 pm ET/6:30 pm CT.
Also, the Kentucky at Missouri game of Oct. 31 is rescheduled for Oct. 24 at 4 pm ET / 3 pm CT on the SEC Network and the Georgia at Kentucky game of Oct. 24 is rescheduled for Oct. 31 at Noon ET / 11 am CT on the SEC Network.
In addition, the South Carolina at LSU game of October 24 will change game times and is now scheduled for 7 pm ET / 6 pm CT on ESPN.
SEC Football Schedule Adjustments:
Kentucky at Missouri moves from Oct. 31 to Oct. 24 at 4 pm ET/3 pm CT on SEC Network
South Carolina at LSU remains on Oct. 24, changes game time to 7 pm ET/6 pm CT on ESPN
Georgia at Kentucky moves from Oct. 24 to Oct. 31 at Noon ET/11 am CT on SEC Network
Missouri at Florida moves from Oct. 24 to Oct. 31 at 7:30 ET/6:30 CT on SEC Network Alternate
Vanderbilt at Missouri moves from Oct. 17 to Dec. 12, time and network TBA
LSU at Florida moves from Oct. 17 to Dec. 12, time and network TBA
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Find more of my broadcasting work at VinceSports.net.
From nominations and notes to performers and presenters, here’s everything a country music fan needs to know about the 2020 CMT Music Awards.
Video of the Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director.
Female Video of the Year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
Male Video of the Year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
Group Video of the Year
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
Duo Video of the Year
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
Breakthrough Video of the Year
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists
CMT Performance of the Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Reba McEntire celebrated the 30th anniversary of her 1990 album, Rumor Has It, by re-releasing the project on Sept. 11. Reba’s iconic album featured four Top 10 hits, including “You Lie,” “Rumor Has It,” “Fancy” and “Fallin’ Out of Love.”
The re-released album also includes a new dance remix of “Fancy” by Grammy Award-winning producer Dave Audé.
“I never imagined I’d get the chance to put out an album for a second time,” says Reba. “It’s just so much fun to look back and remember where we were and what we were doing when they were originally released. This album, in particular, is very special to me because it was the first time I got to record with [producer] Tony Brown and he was the reason I finally got to record ‘Fancy.’ Now here we are 30 years later and I never end a show without singing that song.”
Reba dropped a new video for the dance re-mix of “Fancy,” which features footage of the Country Music Hall of Fame member performing the iconic song at past shows.
photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com
Russell Dickerson will follow up his successful 2017 debut album, Yours, by releasing his sophomore album, Southern Symphony, on Dec. 4.
The 10-song project was co-produced by Casey Brown and Dann Huff. The album’s lead single, “Love You Like I Used To,” is currently Top 10 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.
“Southern Symphony is hands down the best work I’ve created,” says Russell, “It’s the best songs I’ve written. It’s sonically the best we’ve created. This album is 10 honest and true tracks that tell the story of how I’ve grown as an artist and a man. I could not be more proud of every song on this album.”
After topping the charts with “Yours” and “Blue Tacoma” in 2018, Russell scored his third No. 1 single with “Every Little Thing” in November 2019. All three of Russell’s No. 1 songs are featured on Yours.
Listen to Russell’s new song, “Never Get Old,” below.
photo by TCD
Runaway June released a new holiday EP, When I Think About Christmas, on Oct. 16.
The five-song EP features three holiday standards, “Sleigh Ride,” “O Holy Night” and “Let It Snow,” as well as two original tunes, “Christmas on the Radio” and the title track.
“Our new Christmas EP, When I Think About Christmas, has all of these beautiful mountain Appalachian sounds,” says the trio in a release. “So we put our own little spin on Christmas music, and we’ve got some fiddle, so why not.”
Penned by Leroy Anderson and Mitchell Parish, “Sleigh Ride” is a holiday favorite that’s been covered by Johnny Mathis, Ella Fitzgerald, Amy Grant and more.
Listen to Runaway June sing “Sleigh Ride” below.
When I Think About Christmas Track List & Songwriters
photos by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
CMT announced Ashley McBryde will co-host the 2020 CMT Music Awards on Oct. 21, with previously announced hosts Kane Brown and Sarah Hyland.
“I am beyond excited, and maybe a little nervous, to host an awards show for the very first time,” says Ashley. “Luckily, it’s not all about me—it’s about celebrating badass music videos and the brilliant men and women that help us create them. I’ve loved watching and being part of this event in the past and I think the fans are really going to enjoy what we have planned for them. It’s going to be a blast!”
In addition, CMT revealed that Brandi Carlile, Demi Lovato, Diplo, Idina Menzel, Jessica Chastain, Katy Perry, Kelly Clarkson, Rob Thomas, Tanya Tucker and Taylor Swift will serve as presenters during the show.
Performers include Ashley McBryde, Dan + Shay, Kane Brown, Little Big Town, Luke Bryan, Maren Morris, Caylee Hammack, Hardy, Ingrid Andress, Mickey Guyton, Riley Green, Travis Denning, Gabby Barrett, Morgan Wallen, Sam Hunt and Shania Twain, with collaborations from Jimmie Allen and Noah Cyrus, Kelsea Ballerini and Halsey, and Luke Combs and Brooks & Dunn.
The fan-voted CMT Awards hand out annual awards in a number of categories, including Video of the Year, Collaborative Video of the Year, Breakthrough Video of the Year and more. The show will air on CMT, with a six-network simulcast across MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, Pop and TV Land.
Tune in to CMT, MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network, Pop or TV Land on Oct. 21 at 7 p.m. CT.
Video of the Year
Best video of the year; awarded to the artist (male, female, group/duo or collaboration) and the video director.
Female Video of the Year
Best video by a female artist; awarded to the artist
Male Video of the Year
Best video by a male artist; awarded to the artist
Group Video of the Year
Best video by a group; awarded to the artists
Duo Video of the Year
Best video by a duo; awarded to the artists
Breakthrough Video of the Year
Best video from an artist’s major breakthrough album; awarded to the artist (male, female or group/duo)
Collaborative Video of the Year
Best video from a collaboration; awarded to the artists
CMT Performance of the Year
Musical performance on a television show, series or variety special on CMT; awarded to the artist (individual, group or duo)
photo by Tammie Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Lee Brice will try to score his ninth No. 1 single with the release of “Memory I Don’t Mess With.”
Penned by Lee, Brian Davis and Billy Montana, the new single will impact country radio on Nov. 2.
“It’s about exactly what it says,” says Lee. “It’s one of those memories, it’s one of those things that you can’t let yourself get too close to because it just pulls you in too deep. The memory’s always there. The pictures are always there in your head. But that’s the one you’ve just gotta let alone, and let just be a memory.”
Lee scored his eighth No. 1 single with “One of Them Girls,” which topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart for three weeks in October. The tune followed Lee’s previous No. 1 single, “Rumors,” which reached the top of the charts in July 2019, and his collaboration with Carly Pearce, “I Hope You’re Happy Now,” which peaked at No. 1 earlier this year.
“Memory I Don’t Mess With” is featured on Lee’s upcoming sixth studio album, Hey World, which drops on Nov. 20.
Listen to “Memory I Don’t Mess With” below.
photo by JPA, AFF-USA.com
Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap recorded a new rendition of “Merry, Merry Christmas Baby.”
The holiday hit was originally recorded by teen queen Dodie Stevens in 1960. Ronnie delivers his signature swagger—with a touch of upbeat optimism—as he croons the bluesy chorus: “Have a merry Christmas, baby / And a happy New Year, too / I am hoping you will find / A love as true as mine / Have a merry Christmas, baby.”
Listen to Ronnie sing “Merry, Merry Christmas Baby” below.
photo by Curtis Hilbun, AFF-USA.com