Tim McGraw performed his new single, “I Called Mama,” at the Bluebird Cafe during the ACM Awards on Sept. 16. The tune is currently No. 8 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart after 19 weeks.
Penned by Lance Miller, Marv Green and Jimmy Yeary, “I Called Mama” is about the special connection mothers share with their children, especially when times are tough.
“My mom worked hard,” said Tim, when the song was released in May. “She was a go-getter. She always tried to do her best to provide for us. And there were times where it was almost impossible, but the thing my mom always taught us that I really remember—my sisters and I—always have dreams and always dream bigger than your circumstances. And then always treat people nicely, treat people kind.”
Vols OL Trey Smith & K Brent Cimaglia / Credit: UT Athletics
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Tennessee had five players named to the 2020 Preseason Coaches All-Southeastern Conference football teams on Thursday, as announced by the league office.
Senior offensive lineman Trey Smith and senior placekicker Brent Cimaglia led the way as first-team selections. The sophomore duo of offensive lineman Wanya Morris and linebacker Henry To’o To’o were named to the second team while junior defensive back Bryce Thompson earned third-team honors.
UT’s five selections were its most since having eight players named to the preseason all-conference teams prior to the 2016 season. To view the full All-SEC preseason teams, click HERE.
For Smith, Thursday’s announcement added to an already impressive list of preseason accolades that includes multiple first-team All-America honors as well as being named to a handful of national award preseason watch lists. Smith was a first-team All-SEC selection by the media and coaches after anchoring the Vols’ offensive line in 2019. The Jackson, Tennessee, native also won the 2019 Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Award and took home the inaugural Fritz Pollard Trophy after a dominant junior season. Smith, a potential first-round pick, decided to forego the 2020 NFL Draft to return to Tennessee for his senior season.
Cimaglia has also garnered some well-deserved preseason attention after one best seasons ever by a Tennessee kicker last year. The senior drilled 23 of his 27 field goal attempts last season, including two from 50-plus yards, to earn second-team All-SEC honors. Cimaglia also connected on all 35 extra point attempts and was 9-of-11 on kicks of 40 or more yards. The Nashville native was a 2019 Lou Groza Award semifinalist and was also named to the 2020 Lou Groza Award Preseason Watch List.
Morris will look to build on a solid freshman campaign that saw him earn Freshman All-SEC team honors as well as 247Sports True Freshman All-America recognition. The former 5-star recruit started 12 of UT’s 13 games at left tackle in 2019, helping the Vols close the season with six consecutive wins.
To’o To’o was one of the top freshman defensive players in the country last season and finished second on the team with 72 tackles, including five tackles for loss. His 72 tackles ranked second among SEC freshmen and fourth among FBS freshmen.
The Sacramento, California, native was named to the 2019 SEC All-Freshman team as well as Freshman All-America teams selected by The Athletic and 247Sports. With the departure of senior linebacker Daniel Bituli, To’o To’o is expected to take over as the leader of Tennessee’s defense this season. He has been named to preseason watch lists for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Butkus Award and Bednarik Award.
Thompson has been the Vols’ top corner for each of the past two seasons, racking up 66 tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, 15 pass breakups and six interceptions during his two years with the program. The Irmo, South Carolina, native did not allow a single touchdown in 325 coverage snaps last season according to PFF College. Thompson also tied the school record for interceptions in a game by picking off three passes in the first half of UT’s 30-7 win over UAB.
Tennessee kicks off its 2020 season in nine days with a visit to South Carolina. For the most up to date information on Tennessee Football, visit UTSports.com and follow the Vols on Twitter (@Vol_Football), Instagram (@Vol_Football) and Facebook (Tennessee Football).
2020 Tennessee Football Preseason Honors
Brent Cimaglia, Sr., PK
Lou Groza Award Watch List
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, Coaches, College Football News, PFF, Phil Steele)
Eric Gray, So., RB
Doak Walker Award Watch List
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon)
Trey Smith, Sr., OL
Wuerffel Trophy Watch List
Outland Trophy Watch List
First-Team All-American (Associated Press, Athlon, CBSSports.com, Phil Steele, Sporting News)
Second-Team All-American (Walter Camp)
All-SEC First Team (Athlon, Coaches, College Football News, PFF, Phil Steele)
Bryce Thompson, Jr., DB
All-SEC Third Team (Coaches)
All-SEC Fourth Team (Athlon, Phil Steele)
Henry To’o To’o, So., LB
Bronko Nagurski Trophy Watch List
Butkus Award Watch List
Bednarik Award Watch List
All-SEC First Team (Phil Steele)
All-SEC Second Team (Athlon, Coaches)
Here’s a photo gallery courtesy of the UT Athletics from Tennessee fall football practice 16 for the 2020 season from Thursday. Click on any image to see it full size with the ability to scroll through.
Vols Football Fall Practice 16
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive back Romello Edwards #7 and Wide receiver Cedric Tillman #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Running back Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive lineman Aubrey Solomon #98 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Linebacker Morven Joseph #19 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Running back Ty Chandler #8 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive back Trevon Flowers #1 and Running back Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Malachi Wideman #13 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Offensive lineman K'Rojhn Calbert #74 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Quarterback Brian Maurer #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. #1 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Quarterback J.T. Shrout #12 and Quarterback Jarrett Guarantano #2 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive back William Wright #36 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Dee Beckwith #21 and Quarterback Brian Maurer #18 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Running back Eric Gray #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Quarterback J.T. Shrout #12 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Wide receiver Cedric Tillman #4 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive lineman Greg Emerson #90 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - Defensive lineman Darel Middleton #97 and Defensive back Theo Jackson #26 of the Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2020 - The Tennessee Volunteers during 2020 Fall Camp practice on Haslam Field in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Kate Luffman/Tennessee Athletics
Here’s a photo gallery courtesy of the UT Athletics from Tennessee fall football practice 16 for the 2020 season from Thursday. Click on any image to see it full size with the ability to scroll through.
Tennessee head football coach Jeremy Pruitt spoke to the media Thursday night after practice 16 via Zoom video call from UT Athletics. Watch that full interview below.
After successfully hosting the pandemic-altered ACM Awards on Sept. 16, Keith Urban can finally “slow down” and enjoy the music.
Keith will release his new studio album, The Speed of Now: Part 1, on Sept. 18.
“In October 2019, this album title came to me,” says Keith. “I liked it because I felt like life was flying by so fast. But music—for me—has always been the place where it slows down and doesn’t even exist. I would never have imagined that, in 2020, this album title would take on a whole new meaning.”
Keith has already shared a number of tunes from the 16-song collection, including “We Were,” “Polaroid,” “Superman,” “Change Your Mind,” “One Too Many,” and current single, “God Whispered Your Name.” Keith’s upcoming album features a few collaborations, including “Out of the Cage” with Breland and guitarist Nile Rodgers, as well as duet “One Too Many” with pop star Pink. The album also includes Keith’s 2019 single, “We Were,” which features vocals from one of the tune’s songwriters, Eric Church.
The Speed of Now: Part I will follow Keith’s 2018 album, Graffiti U, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart.
Here are the Winners & Losers—off of the top of my head sans any deep insight—from the 55th annual ACM Awards on Sept. 16. Of course, the Losers aren’t really losers, so don’t get your fringe twisted.
Winners – Riley Green & Tenille Townes
photos by Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
The New Female and New Male Artists of the Year delivered during their performances. Tenille’s performance of “Somebody’s Daughter” was the best—or at least, my favorite—performance of the night, while Riley’s performance of “I Wish Grandpas Never Died” was the most-Shazamed song of the evening.
Winner – Mickey Guyton
photo by Arroyo/O’Connor, AFF-USA.com
Mickey delivered a stunning performance of “What Are You Going to Tell Her.” While casual country music fans—and non-fans who happened to be watching the show—probably didn’t know who she was, they do now. The tune was the second-most-Shazamed song of the evening.
Losers – Thomas Rhett & Carrie Underwood
photos by Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
The award is called Entertainer of the Year, not Entertainers of the Year. Thousands of votes . . . and it ends in a tie? Shenanigans! Shenanigans!! Shenanigans!!!
Winner – Carrie Underwood
photo by Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Wait, how can Carrie be both a winner and a loser? It’s my list. Anyone who pulls off a medley of songs by Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Barbara Mandrell, Martina McBride, Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton is a winner in my book.
Loser – Eric Church
photo by Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Eric was nominated for Entertainer of the Year . . . an award he has never won. A very solid case can be made for why he should have won. Alas, he didn’t even finish in the top two in the voting, which we know because there was a TIE.
Winner – Luke Combs
photo by Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Of the four most-coveted awards (Male Artist, Female Artist, Album and Entertainer of the Year), Luke won two: Album of the Year and Male Artist of the Year. That’s a winner!
Winner – Trisha Yearwood
photo by Arroyo, AFF-USA.com
Trisha’s rendition of “I’ll Carry You Home” during the In Memoriam was beautiful. If she’s not careful, she’ll be beckoned to sing it at every awards show for the rest of her life, much like Vince Gill singing “Go Rest High On That Mountain” at seemingly every funeral. It must be mentally/spiritually exhausting for Vince.
Losers – Dierks Bentley and Kacey Musgraves Viewers
photos by AFF-USA.com
Both Dierks and Kacey were nominated for major awards—Male Vocalist and Female Vocalist/Single of the Year, respectively—but neither performed. Of course, Dierks has been nominated for the award six times without winning, so he has legitimate beef, but Kacey was the reigning Female Vocalist of the Year. I want Kacey and Dierks performing at every awards show in perpetuity. Period.
Dan + Shay won their second consecutive ACM Award for Duo of the Year on Sept. 16.
“Now more than ever, everyone in country music, every touring artist ever, I think we feel that thankfulness that we get to do this as a job and as living,” said the duo’s Shay Mooney backstage. “And I think all of realize that it can be taken away just like that. And just being thankful to still be doing this, you know, and to still have great people in our lives, and to have things like this, you know, that we can social distance and actually still be able to communicate with people and with our friends and with our loved ones. So, we’re just feeling very thankful, especially during this time.”
The ACM Awards aired live from Nashville on Sept. 16 with first-time host Keith Urban. The show took place at three iconic Nashville institutions: the Grand Ole Opry House, The Bluebird Cafe and Ryman Auditorium.
Let’s take a look at what each VFL in the NFL did in Week 1 of the NFL season in my blog Vince’s View.
VFLs – Week 1 (22)
OG – Zach Fulton (73) Houston Texans
Started at RG
Played 100% of snaps on offense
Lost to Kansas City 34-20
FB – Jakob Johnson (47) New England Patriots
Played 33% of snaps on offense
56% of special teams plays
Defeated Miami 21-11
DE – Derek Barnett (96) Philadelphia Eagles
Inactive – hamstring injury
Lost to Washington 27-17
DT – Malik Jackson (97) Philadelphia Eagles
Started at DT
2 tackles
2 QB hurries
Played 79% of snaps on defense
15% of special teams plays
Lost to Washington 27-17
TE – Luke Stocker (88) Atlanta Falcons
1 target
Played 32% of snaps on offense
48% of special teams plays
Lost to Seattle 38-25
LS – Morgan Cox (46) Baltimore Ravens
38% of special teams plays
Defeated Cleveland 38-6
DE – Kyle Phillips (98) New York Jets
1 tackle
1 TFL
Played 47% of snaps on defense
Lost to Buffalo 27-17
WR – Josh Malone (83) New York Jets
Called up late from practice squad, then returned to it after the game
1 KOR for 16 yds
Played 38% of snaps on offense
Lost to Buffalo 27-17
DE – Kendal Vickers (78) Las Vegas Raiders
Played 15% of snaps on defense
Defeated Carolina 34-30
TE – Jason Witten (82) Las Vegas Raiders
1 rec 2 yds
Played 44% of snaps on offense
21% of special teams plays
Defeated Carolina 34-30
WR – Cordarrelle Patterson (84) Chicago Bears
1 rec for 12 yds
4 carries for 19 yds
3 KOR for 36.7 yds per
Played 15% of snaps on offense
34% special teams plays
Defeated Detroit 27-23
OLB – Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) Detroit Lions
78% special teams plays
Lost to Chicago 27-23
P – Britton Colquitt (2) Minnesota Vikings
2 punts at 40.0 yds per
Lost to Green Bay43-34
RB – Alvin Kamara (41) New Orleans Saints
Started at RB
12 car for 16 yds and 1 TD (6 yd run)
5 rec for 51 yds and 1 TD (12 yd catch)
Played 66% of snaps on offense
3% special teams plays
Defeated Tampa Bay 34-23
DT – Shy Tuttle (99) New Orleans Saints
Inactive
Defeated Tampa Bay 34-23
WR – Marquez Callaway (12) New Orleans Saints – x
Inactive
Defeated Tampa Bay 34-23
CB – Emmanuel Moseley (41) San Francisco 49ers
Started at CB
Team and career-high 15 tackles (previous was 10 in 2019 vs. Seattle)
Played 100% of snaps on offense
4% special teams plays
Lost to Arizona 24-20
DB – Cameron Sutton (20) Pittsburgh Steelers
1 tackle
Played 29% of snaps on defense
46% special teams plays
Defeated N.Y. Giants 26-16
P – Dustin Colquitt (4) Pittsburgh Steelers
4 punts for 45.8 per
Defeated N.Y. Giants 26-16
ILB – Alexander Johnson (45) Denver Broncos
Started at ILB
Team high 12 tackles
1 QB hurry
Played 100% of snaps on defense
25% special teams plays
Lost to Tennessee 16-14
One-Time Vols That Transferred – Week 1 (4)
P – Tommy Townsend (5) Kansas City Chiefs (U. of Tennessee/Florida) – x
3 punts at 45.3 per
Defeated Houston 34-20
TE – Lee Smith (85) Buffalo Bills (Powell HS/U. of Tennessee/Marshall)
Inactive
Defeated N.Y. Jets 27-17
QB – Nathan Peterman (3) Las Vegas Raiders (U. of Tennessee/Pitt)
DNP
Defeated Carolina 34-30
WR – Preston Williams (18) Miami Dolphins (U. of Tennessee/Colorado St)
Started at WR
2 rec for 41 yds
Played 90% of snaps on offense
Lost to New England 21-11
Non-UT Knoxville Area Players – Week 1 (5)
WR – Randall Cobb (18) Houston Texans (Alcoa HS/Kentucky)
2 rec for 23 yds
Played 78% of snaps on offense
Lost to Kansas City 34-20
S – Harrison Smith (22) Minnesota Vikings (Catholic HS/Notre Dame)
Started at SS
4 tackles
Played 100% of snaps on defense
27% special teams snaps
Lost to Green Bay 43-34
RB – Nathan Cottrell (31) Jacksonville Jaguars (West HS/Georgia Tech) – x
Called up late from practice squad, then returned to it after the game
Played 2% of snaps on offense
79% special teams plays
Defeated Indianapolis 27-20
WR – Tee Higgins (85) Cincinnati Bengals (Oak Ridge HS/Clemson) – x
Played 22% of snaps on offense
Lost to L.A. Chargers 16-13
P – Chris Jones (6) Dallas Cowboys (Carson-Newman)
4 punts for 39.0 yds per
Lost to L.A. Rams 20-17
