FB PREVIEW: #8/9 Vols Back at Home to Wrestle Rival Gators in Primetime
Courtesy / UT Athletics

FB PREVIEW: #8/9 Vols Back at Home to Wrestle Rival Gators in Primetime

Posted on October 11, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After nearly an entire month without a home game, No. 8/9 Tennessee finally returns to Neyland Stadium this Saturday night to take on SEC rival Florida in a primetime battle under the lights.

The Volunteers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss on the road at Arkansas last weekend, while the Gators come into the game having won two straight after defeating UCF, 24-13, at home last Saturday.

NEYLAND STADIUM, PRESERVED BY PILOT

Earlier this year, 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 ESPN with Bob Wischusen (PxP), Louis Riddick (analyst) and Kris Budden (sideline reporter) on the call. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m.

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. 84) and the SiriusXM app (Ch. 84), 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. 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 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. 

GAMEDAY INFO / TIMELINE

For the most up-to-date information on Tennessee’s 2024 gameday policies, please visit the Tennessee Football Gameday Information page on UTSports.com.

The gameday timeline as well as other important information is listed below.

Will Call Opens at Gate 21 – 3 p.m.
Truly’s Tailgate Opens – 3 p.m.
Vol Village Opens – 3:30 p.m.
Vol Walk – 4:50 p.m.
Gates Open – 5 p.m.
Pride of the Southland Band March – 5:20 p.m. (Pedestrian Bridge)
Pride of the Southland Band Pregame Performance Begins – 6:51 p.m.
National Anthem/Flyover – 6:54 p.m.
*Flyover will feature four A-10C Thunderbolt II aircrafts from the 355th Wing at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, Arizona
Vols Run Through the T – 7:02 p.m.
Kickoff – 7:05 p.m.

NEW NEYLAND STADIUM FAN ENHANCEMENTS FOR 2024

A host of new fan enhancements are in place at Neyland Stadium 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.

A complete step-by-step guide on how to best access and use your digital tickets and parking passes, including diagrams and FAQ is available here.

TENNESSEE ATHLETICS APP

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. Matt Stillwell will be this week’s featured artist. Vol Village opens at 3:30 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 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.

For complete gameday information, visit UTsports.com/gameday.

NEED TO KNOW

Checker Neyland Presented by Pilot
Saturday’s night game will feature the iconic checkerboard pattern throughout the stands as Checker Neyland presented by Pilot, Tennessee’s popular fan-driven initiative, returns for the eighth time in program history.

Fans are encouraged to wear orange or white, depending on their seat location. To find out if your seat section is orange or white, go to CheckerNeyland.com and enter your section/row/seat number as it appears on your digital ticket. Fans in the Yee-Haw Ole Smoky Social Deck are encouraged to wear white. 

The Vols have won their last two #CheckerNeyland games, topping Florida, 38-33, in 2022 and defeating Texas A&M, 20-13, last 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 15-1 inside of its confines, outscoring opponents 780-280. In the Josh Heupel era (since 2021), UT is 20-4 at home and has outscored its opponents 2,001-444 with 17 of those wins coming by double digits. Tennessee’s 15 home wins since the start of the 2022 season are tied for seventh in the nation and the Big Orange have won seven straight night games in Neyland Stadium.

Neyland Stadium will be sold out for 16th 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.

Bouncing Back
Josh Heupel has lost back-to-back games just three times as a head coach in his seven seasons. He owns a 14-3 record following a loss in the same season, including a 9-2 mark at Tennessee and 5-1 record at UCF. The only two times it occurred at UT was in his first year of 2021 as the Vols dropped back-to-back games to No. 13 Ole Miss and No. 4 Alabama and then last year with back-to-back losses at No. 16 Mizzou and versus No. 1 Georgia.

Sampson Continues to Produce
Dylan Sampson has been the catalyst for Tennessee’s offensive success this season, ranking among the nation’s best running backs through six weeks. The junior leads all power conference players and ranks second nationally in rushing touchdowns with 12. Sampson also leads the SEC and is 10th in the FBS in rushing yards per game (117.8) and ranks third in the conference in yards per carry (6.47). His four 100-plus yard rushing games are tops in the SEC while his 72 total points accounted for rank second nationally.

Sampson is the third Vols’ running back in the last three seasons to score double-digit rushing touchdowns in a single campaign – joining Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright who had 13 and 10 in 2022, respectively.

SERIES HISTORY

Florida leads series, 32-21
Saturday will mark the 35th consecutive year that Tennessee and Florida face each other dating back to the 1990 season. The Vols will look to record their second consecutive home victory over the Gators for the first time since doing so in 1990 and 1992.  

In the last meeting between the two programs in Knoxville, quarterback Hendon Hooker accounted for 461 total yards and three touchdowns to lead the Big Orange to a 38-33 victory. Current UT wideout Bru McCoy had a big day, as well, hauling in five catches for 102 yards and a touchdown in the victory.

ABOUT FLORIDA

Third-year head coach Billy Napier and the Gators enter Saturday’s matchup at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in league play. Florida lost its SEC opener against Texas A&M, 33-20, before bouncing back with a 45-28 road win at Mississippi State a week later.

Offensively, the Gators have utilized two quarterbacks in veteran Graham Mertz and highly-touted freshman DJ Lagway. Mertz has completed 77.2 percent of his passes for 666 yards and five touchdowns while Lagway has completed 69.1 percent of his throws for 667 yards and four touchdowns. The duo has combined to toss five interceptions, as well. Eight different players have caught a touchdown pass for UF, but no player has caught more than two so far this year. Montrell Johnson Jr. leads the rushing attached with 288 yards and four scores on 58 carries.

Defensive back Jordan Castell and linebacker Grayson Howard are tied for the team lead with 24 tackles while redshirt junior edge rusher George Gumbs Jr. leads the Gators with 4.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

SEC, Lady Vols Share Basketball TV Designations
Courtesy / UT Athletics

SEC, Lady Vols Share Basketball TV Designations

Posted on October 11, 2024

Eric TrainerWomen’s BasketballOctober 10, 2024

The 2024-25 Southeastern Conference women’s basketball broadcast schedule was released by the league on Thursday afternoon, clearing the way for the University of Tennessee to reveal nearly all tip times and TV designations for the upcoming season.

Fans interested in cheering on Kim Caldwell‘s high-energy squad should visit AllVols.com for ticket information. Big Orange supporters will have 18 opportunities to get behind their team at home, with season and single-game tickets currently on sale. Besides using AllVols.com, fans can also purchase tickets by calling the UT Ticket Office at 1-800-332-VOLS between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

The Lady Vols have 14 of 30 contests confirmed for linear television, including nine on SEC Network, three on ESPN, one on ESPN2 and one on FOX. There will be 13 matchups streamed live on SECN+, one on ESPN+ and two more via a service to be announced later when West Palm Beach Classic matchups and times are revealed. The complete Tennessee schedule is available at UTSports.com.

All games on ESPN platforms (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network and ESPN+/SECN+) are available through the ESPN App, which is accessible via connected devices.

Institutions can produce any conference and non-conference games that are not otherwise picked up for linear television and stream those on SECN+. Those contests are available via the ESPN app.

The Lady Vols will make their debut at Food City Center at 6:30 p.m. ET on Oct. 31, as they host Carson-Newman in an exhibition game. That matchup will be streamed on SECN+.

Tennessee opens the regular season at home on Nov. 5, as Samford comes to Knoxville for another 6:30 p.m. battle available on SECN+.

The Lady Vols enter the 2024-25 campaign under the direction of first-year skipper Caldwell, who possesses a 217-31 (.875) career record. She guided her previous squads to eight NCAA Tournaments in as many seasons, including two NCAA DII Final Fours and a 2022 NCAA DII National Championship. Caldwell directed Marshall University to a 26-7 overall record, 17-1 Sun Belt Conference record, a sweep of league hardware and the Thundering Herd’s first NCAA Tournament berth since 1997 in her only season there in 2023-24. For her performance, she earned SBC Coach of the Year and Spalding Maggie Dixon WBCA Division I Rookie Coach of the Year acclaim.

The Big Orange women feature six experienced players returning from last season, including 33-game starters Jewel Spear and Sara Puckett, and welcome five Power-4 level additions from the transfer portal as well as a pair of highly-regarded redshirts. The squad will employ Caldwell’s trademark high-octane offense and intense pressure defense, looking to propel Tennessee to its 43rd-consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament.

SEC Sets Times and Networks for 2024-25 Men’s Basketball Slate
Courtesy / UT Athletics

SEC Sets Times and Networks for 2024-25 Men’s Basketball Slate

Posted on October 11, 2024

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Southeastern Conference announced Thursday afternoon the tip times and network designations for the upcoming 2024-25 men’s basketball season.

In SEC play, Tennessee one game slated for ABC or ESPN, three for ESPN, five for ESPN or ESPN2, three for ESPN2 or ESPNU and six for SEC Network. Ten of those contests are listed at 6 p.m. or later, while eight will begin at 4 p.m. or earlier.

During the non-conference portion of the season—including games previously announced—Tennessee has one matchup set for ESPN, one for ESPN or ESPN2, one for FOX, one for SEC Network, one for ACC Network, two for CBS Sports Network and six (plus an exhibition) for SEC Network+. The ledger includes five games (and an exhibition) before 6 p.m., along with eight contests after that time.

To open 2024-25, Tennessee plays Oct. 27 against Indiana (3 p.m. on SECN+) in a charity exhibition game. The regular season starts Nov. 4 versus Gardner-Webb (7 p.m. on SECN+) and the road slate tips off Nov. 9 at Louisville (noon on ACCN). The Volunteers then play at home Nov. 13 against Montana (7 p.m. on SECN+) and Nov. 17 against Austin Peay (3 p.m. on SECN+). Tennessee then heads to the Continental Tire Baha Mar Championship in Nassau, Bahamas, to play Nov. 21 versus Virginia (9:30 p.m. on CBSSN) and No. 22 versus Baylor or St. John’s (7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN). It concludes the month Nov. 27 at home against UT Martin (4 p.m. on SECN+).

Up next for Tennessee is a Dec. 3 outing versus Syracuse (7 or 7:30 p.m. on ESPN/2) in the SEC/ACC Challenge. Tenth-year head coach Rick Barnes‘ team then heads to the Jimmy V Classic in New York, where it faces Miami (6:30 p.m. on ESPN). The Volunteers follow that with a Dec. 14 matchup at Illinois (5:30 p.m. on FOX). They then play three straight home games to wrap up the calendar year, first Dec. 17 against Western Carolina (7 p.m. on SECN+), then Dec. 23 versus Middle Tennessee State (7 p.m. on SECN) and finally Dec. 31 against Norfolk State (3 p.m. on SECN+).

The Volunteers’ 2025 schedule begins Jan. 4 at home against Arkansas (1 p.m. on ESPN), before road trips to play Jan. 7 at Florida (7 p.m. on ESPN2/U) and Jan. 11 at Texas (6 p.m. on ESPN/2). Tennessee returns home Jan. 15 to host Georgia (8 p.m. on SECN), then has a Jan. 18 outing at Vanderbilt (3:30 p.m. on SECN) and a Jan. 21 home affair versus Mississippi State (7 p.m. on ESPN2/U). Its final two games of the month come Jan. 25 at Auburn (8:30 p.m. on ESPN/2) and Jan. 28 at Food City Center against Kentucky (7 p.m. on ESPN).

To open the second month of the conference calendar, Tennessee has a pair of home games, Feb. 1 versus Florida (noon or 2 p.m. on ESPN/2) and Feb. 5 against Missouri (7 p.m. on SECN). Next, the Volunteers play Feb. 8 at Oklahoma (noon on ESPN/2) and Feb. 11 at Kentucky (7 p.m. on ESPN), before coming back to Knoxville for a Feb. 15 showing against Vanderbilt (1 p.m. on SECN). Following a midweek bye, Tennessee travels for a Feb. 22 matchup at Texas A&M (noon on ESPN/2) and a Feb. 25 affair at LSU (9 p.m. on SECN) to cap the month.

In the final month of SEC play, the Volunteers open action at home March 1 versus Alabama (1 p.m. or 4 p.m. on ABC/ESPN). They next play March 5 at Ole Miss (9 p.m. on ESPN2/U) and then wrap up the regular season on their home court March 8 against South Carolina (2 p.m. on SECN).

All times listed are Eastern and subject to change.

FULL 2024-25 SCHEDULE
Oct. 27 – INDIANA [Exhib.] (3 p.m. on SECN+)
Nov. 4 – GARDNER-WEBB (7 p.m. on SECN+)
Nov. 9 – at Louisville (noon on ACCN)
Nov. 13 – MONTANA (7 p.m. on SECN+)
Nov. 17 – AUSTIN PEAY (3 p.m. on SECN+)
Nov. 21 – vs. Virginia (9:30 p.m. on CBSSN)
Nov. 22 – vs. Baylor/St. John’s (7 p.m. or 9:30 p.m. on CBSSN)
Nov. 27 – UT MARTIN (4 p.m. on SECN+)
Dec. 3 – SYRACUSE (7 or 7:30 p.m. on ESPN/2)
Dec. 10 – vs. Miami (6:30 p.m. on ESPN)
Dec. 14 – at Illinois (5:30 p.m. on FOX)
Dec. 17 – WESTERN CAROLINA (7 p.m. on SECN+)
Dec. 23 – MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE (7 p.m. on SECN)
Dec. 31 – NORFOLK STATE (3 p.m. on SECN+)
Jan. 4 – ARKANSAS (1 p.m. on ESPN)
Jan. 7 – at Florida (7 p.m. on ESPN2/U)
Jan. 11 – at Texas (6 p.m. on ESPN/2)
Jan. 15 – GEORGIA (8 p.m. on SECN)
Jan. 18 – at Vanderbilt (3:30 p.m. on SECN)
Jan. 21 – MISSISSIPPI STATE (7 p.m. on ESPN2/U)
Jan. 25 – at Auburn (8:30 p.m. on ESPN/2)
Jan. 28 – KENTUCKY (7 p.m. on ESPN)
Feb. 1 – FLORIDA (12 p.m. or 2 p.m. on ESPN/2)
Feb. 5 – MISSOURI (7 p.m. on SECN)
Feb. 8 – at Oklahoma (12 p.m. on ESPN/2)
Feb. 11 – at Kentucky (7 p.m. on ESPN)
Feb. 15 – VANDERBILT (1 p.m. on SECN)
Feb. 22 – at Texas A&M (12 p.m. on ESPN/2)
Feb. 25 – at LSU (9 p.m. on SECN)
March 1 – ALABAMA (1 p.m. or 4 p.m. on ABC/ESPN)
March 5 – at Ole Miss (9 p.m. on ESPN2/U)
March 8 – SOUTH CAROLINA (2 p.m. on SECN)

To keep up with the University of Tennessee men’s basketball team on social media, follow @Vol_Hoops on Instagram and X/Twitter, as well as /tennesseebasketball on Facebook.

Men’s Hoops Hosts Media Day, Poised for 2024-25 Campaign
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Men’s Hoops Hosts Media Day, Poised for 2024-25 Campaign

Posted on October 11, 2024

Fresh off the program’s 11th SEC regular season crown—its sixth outright SEC championship and first since 2007-08—and its second-ever Elite Eight berth, the Tennessee men’s basketball program hosted it’s annual media day Thursday, ahead of the highly-anticipated 2024-25 season.

Led by head coach Rick Barnes, who is set to begin his 10th season at the helm in Knoxville this year, the Volunteers feature a balanced blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.

Tennessee’s 2024-25 roster features 15 players (11 scholarship student-athletes) representing 10 states, as well as Croatia and Nigeria. UT has two fifth-year players, four seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and four true freshmen, three of whom are walk-ons.

Coming off arguably its best season ever, the Tennessee men’s basketball team brings back seven players, including senior guard Zakai Zeigler, the reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year. The Volunteers went 27-9 (14-4 SEC) in 2023-24 and finished a program-best fifth nationally in both major polls.

Barnes welcomes five new scholarship players to the squad, including a quartet of Division I transfers, to this year’s roster.

Over the last four seasons (2020-24), the Volunteers own a 57-7 (.891) overall record at Food City Center. In nine seasons under head coach Rick Barnes, the Volunteers are 122-24 (.836) at Food City Center. Twice during the Barnes era, Tennessee has gone undefeated at home: 18-0 in 2018-19 and 16-0 in 2021-22.

Tennessee’s first home action of the 2024-25 season comes in an exhibition contest versus Indiana on Sunday, Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. ET. Its first regular season contest is set for Monday, Nov. 4, against Gardner-Webb at 7 p.m.

Fans interested in purchasing single-game tickets to watch the Vols this season are encouraged to click HERE. Vol Hoops season tickets are already sold out, but fans interested in learning more about season tickets for future years can do so by clicking HERE.

Following media day festivities, the team took to the Food City Center for practice.

Quotables Barnes’ Thursday press conference can be found below. To view the press conference online, click HERE. For quotables from select student-athletes, click HERE.

Tennessee Head Coach Rick Barnes

On where the team has improved the most during the offseason…
“I would say versatility. We know we have different ways we can play with different matchups. We’ve got bigs, smalls and some in between too. We’re still trying to figure out what the best way is to go for the most part. We just really need to get everyone on the court together at the same time. Overall, we’ve got terrific comradery within our team. We’ve got a group of guys that continue to work to get better. The attitude has been good. I do know that they know that they have to continue to get better, and we have gotten better from scrimmage to scrimmage.”

On if Zakai Zeigler is doing anything new that surprises him…
“I don’t think anything he does (is new). It’s the expectation that he has for himself and that we have for him every day. When he has a tough day, he is so brutally hard on himself and makes it tougher than it needs to be. He’s just so competitive within himself. He wants to play the perfect game. He wants to do everything he can to get guys the ball where they need it. I think when he gets himself in trouble is when he tries to take too much on himself. He is starting to understand his teammates more and more. A year ago, they understood and quickly figured out how that team needed to play. This team’s not quite there yet, but I think when Zakai gets there, the other guys will follow.”

On his confidence that the team will take a step offensively…
“I do think versatility, and we’ve worked hard in a lot of different areas. We’re really happy with where we’re moving with our inside game and guys we can look to. In the past, people have pretty much said ‘We’re going to let you play two-on-two with Zakai in the post.’ I think we’ve made really good strides there because of how hard our post guys have worked. We know what Zakai is going to do and Jordan Gainey. Another guy that has really worked in the last two weeks and who got off to a great start this summer is Bishop. He has been playing really well. Then, Zakai came back and it’s a whole new experience for him having to deal with Zakai every day. But in the last two weeks, he’s made as many strides defensively as anybody on our team. He’s highly competitive. He wants to win. He’s still trying to figure out what we’re doing from an offensive situation. But defensively, his effort and rebounding have been really impressive in the last two weeks.”

On coaching changes that have been made over the past couple of years…
“I don’t know if we’ve changed, we always adjust. I will say that. We’re constantly adjusting. I mean even this time a year ago, we had no idea Dalton would do what he did. We knew that he had the ability offensively to do some things that we haven’t had, but where he was defensively, I’d tell him, ‘I don’t care how many times you score the ball. If you’re going to give up that many points, what are we doing here? We’re just trading your baskets for their baskets.’ What we did know was how hard he was willing to work. So, players will make coaches adjust. Good players make coaches adjust, they will. It can happen this year. At the end of the year, we ended up doing things that we hadn’t even thought about doing this time of the year. But, from the way the season settled in, the way we started growing as a team and when we started doing this, we added stuff trying to take advantage of guys. And I will imagine that’s what’s going to happen to this team. I’m not sure exactly who with yet, but I know it needs to happen with this team. We need some guys to show us consistently what we can count on every time they go out there. As a coaching staff, we will make the necessary adjustments and take advantage of it.”

TDOT Officials say Forms Residents are Receiving in Flood Damaged Areas are not a Scam

TDOT Officials say Forms Residents are Receiving in Flood Damaged Areas are not a Scam

Posted on October 10, 2024

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is contacting property owners along state routes impacted by flooding to gain right-of-way access during the rebuilding process.

Officials say the form is not a scam as many property owners have expressed concern about the form’s legitimacy.

TDOT is contacting property owners to gain temporary right-of-entry access to repair and reconstruct impacted state routes in their existing location. They need permission to be on resident’s property as crews repair or rebuild roads.

If you own property along the highlighted State Routes impacted by Helene, TDOT needs to speak with you.

Property owners can contact TDOT by emailing [email protected] or by calling 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349) and following the voice prompts.

Link to Form: Form 6 template.pdf

Link to Property Map: (Binder1.pdf (tn.gov))

Link to Helene Recovery Information and Right-of-Entry FAQs: Hurricane Helene Recovery (tn.gov)

City of Knoxville Reminding Downtown Motorists of Weekend Road Closures
WVLT

City of Knoxville Reminding Downtown Motorists of Weekend Road Closures

Posted on October 10, 2024

Some roads in downtown Knoxville will close to traffic on the weekends through the end of the year.

It’s part of an ongoing effort by the City of Knoxville to make the downtown area more friendly to pedestrians. The city says it will be closing Market Street between Clinch Avenue and Union Avenue and Union Avenue between Walnut and Gay Street on weekends.

The closures are expected to go from Fridays at 6 p.m. to Sundays at 6 p.m. The only exception being this weekend when road closures will start Saturday.

I-26 in Unicoi County Reopens after Helene Flooding, TDOT Says

I-26 in Unicoi County Reopens after Helene Flooding, TDOT Says

Posted on October 10, 2024

Unicoi County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Transportation today Thursday reopened a section of I-26 in Unicoi County closed previously due to flooding from Hurricane Helene.

TDOT officials say the roadway is open from the
Tennessee/North Carolina state line to Exit 40 in Erwin, Tennessee for local traffic and deliveries only. Officials stress that the interstate is not open to commercial vehicles or thru-traffic.

They add that local law enforcement will be on the road to enforce the restrictions.

According to the North Carolina Department of Transportation, all roads in western North Carolina should still be considered closed due to the widespread damage.

In addition, TDOT says drivers should use extreme caution along the Nolichucky River corridor while crews continue assessing local roads, and State Route 36 remains impassable in Unicoi County.

I-26 in Unicoi County reopens after Helene flooding, TDOT says. (Pexels)
Tennessee Offensive Line Lands On 2024 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Offensive Line Lands On 2024 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll

Posted on October 10, 2024

NEW YORK — For the fourth consecutive year, Tennessee’s offensive line has earned a spot on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding offensive line units.

The Vols are one of 22 teams on the 2024 honor roll, including four SEC units.

Tennessee’s offensive line has paved the way and protected for a unit that is putting up 519 yards of total offense per game, ranking second in the SEC and fifth in the FBS this season. The Vols lead the league and rank fourth nationally in scoring offense (46.0 points per game), while UT’s rushing attack ranks atop the conference and fifth in the country with 266.8 yards per game on the ground.

The Vols’ 2024 offensive line unit has combined for 138 collegiate starts. Preseason first team All-American center Cooper Mays and senior right guard Javontez Spraggins have been mainstays on the o-line during the Josh Heupel era, touting 37 and 42 career starts respectively. Mays has not allowed a sack in 19 straight appearances, a streak that dates to the 2022 season and spans more than 600 pass block snaps according to PFF.

Under the direction of offensive line coach Glen Elarbee, Tennessee was named a semifinalist for the Joe Moore Award in 2022 and 2023. The Vols joined Oregon, Georgia and Michigan as the only schools to accomplish that feat.

The Joe Moore Award is named after Joe Moore, widely regarded as one of the best offensive line coaches in college football history, most notably for his work at Notre Dame and the University of Pittsburgh.

The Joe Moore Award voting committee judges solely on six criteria: toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique and finishing. The selection of semifinalists will be made on Nov. 12, and finalists will be chosen on Dec. 3. Selection of the 2024 Joe Moore Award winner will be made public after a surprise visit to the winning university’s campus in late December.

2024 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll
Alabama
Army
Clemson
Iowa
Kansas State
Louisiana
LSU
Miami
Michigan
Navy
Ohio State
Oregon
Penn State
Rutgers
SMU
Tennessee
Texas
Texas Tech
UConn
UNLV
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Knoxville Police Need Your Help to Identify a Shooting Suspect
KPD

Knoxville Police Need Your Help to Identify a Shooting Suspect

Posted on October 10, 2024

Knoxville Police Detectives need your help to identify a shooting suspect.

The shooting happened in the 1500 block of Connecticut Avenue on September 28th and was captured on video.

The victim, a 48-year-old man, was shot in the foot. The suspect, wearing dark-colored clothes, ran from the scene.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact East Tennessee Vall at 865-215-7165.

KCHD Offers Free Flu Shots for Statewide Campaign

KCHD Offers Free Flu Shots for Statewide Campaign

Posted on October 10, 2024

Knoxville, Tenn. – The Knox County Health Department will offer free flu shots at four locations as a part of the Tennessee Department of Health’s Fight Flu TN Day. Fight Flu TN will take place on Oct. 15 with select locations across the state offering free flu shots.

KCHD will offer the vaccines at the following locations:

  • Knox County Health Department
    • 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
    • 140 Dameron Ave
  • Sarah Simpson Professional Development Technology Center
    • 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • 801 Tipton Ave (in the Great Room)
  • Sarah Moore Greene Elementary
    • 4:30 – 7 p.m.
    • 3001 Brooks Ave
  • Lonsdale Elementary
    • 4:30 – 7 p.m.
    • 1505 Louisiana Ave

The clinics are open to the public. KCHD will vaccinate insured and uninsured adults and children at no cost to the patient. No appointments are needed.

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FB PREVIEW: #8/9 Vols Back at Home to Wrestle Rival Gators in Primetime
Courtesy / UT Athletics

FB PREVIEW: #8/9 Vols Back at Home to Wrestle Rival Gators in Primetime

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – After nearly an entire month without a home game, No. 8/9 Tennessee finally returns to Neyland Stadium this Saturday night to take on SEC rival Florida in a primetime battle under the lights. The Volunteers will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing loss on the road at Arkansas last weekend, while…… Continue Reading

SEC, Lady Vols Share Basketball TV Designations
Courtesy / UT Athletics

SEC, Lady Vols Share Basketball TV Designations

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

Eric TrainerWomen’s BasketballOctober 10, 2024 The 2024-25 Southeastern Conference women’s basketball broadcast schedule was released by the league on Thursday afternoon, clearing the way for the University of Tennessee to reveal nearly all tip times and TV designations for the upcoming season. Fans interested in cheering on Kim Caldwell‘s high-energy squad should visit AllVols.com for ticket information. Big…… Continue Reading

SEC Sets Times and Networks for 2024-25 Men’s Basketball Slate
Courtesy / UT Athletics

SEC Sets Times and Networks for 2024-25 Men’s Basketball Slate

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Southeastern Conference announced Thursday afternoon the tip times and network designations for the upcoming 2024-25 men’s basketball season. In SEC play, Tennessee one game slated for ABC or ESPN, three for ESPN, five for ESPN or ESPN2, three for ESPN2 or ESPNU and six for SEC Network. Ten of those contests are…… Continue Reading

Men’s Hoops Hosts Media Day, Poised for 2024-25 Campaign
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Men’s Hoops Hosts Media Day, Poised for 2024-25 Campaign

Posted on October 11, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

Fresh off the program’s 11th SEC regular season crown—its sixth outright SEC championship and first since 2007-08—and its second-ever Elite Eight berth, the Tennessee men’s basketball program hosted it’s annual media day Thursday, ahead of the highly-anticipated 2024-25 season. Led by head coach Rick Barnes, who is set to begin his 10th season at the helm…… Continue Reading

TDOT Officials say Forms Residents are Receiving in Flood Damaged Areas are not a Scam

TDOT Officials say Forms Residents are Receiving in Flood Damaged Areas are not a Scam

Posted on October 10, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The Tennessee Department of Transportation is contacting property owners along state routes impacted by flooding to gain right-of-way access during the rebuilding process. Officials say the form is not a scam as many property owners have expressed concern about the form’s legitimacy. TDOT is contacting property owners to gain temporary right-of-entry access to repair and…… Continue Reading

City of Knoxville Reminding Downtown Motorists of Weekend Road Closures
WVLT

City of Knoxville Reminding Downtown Motorists of Weekend Road Closures

Posted on October 10, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Some roads in downtown Knoxville will close to traffic on the weekends through the end of the year. It’s part of an ongoing effort by the City of Knoxville to make the downtown area more friendly to pedestrians. The city says it will be closing Market Street between Clinch Avenue and Union Avenue and Union…… Continue Reading

I-26 in Unicoi County Reopens after Helene Flooding, TDOT Says

I-26 in Unicoi County Reopens after Helene Flooding, TDOT Says

Posted on October 10, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Unicoi County, TN (WOKI) The Tennessee Department of Transportation today Thursday reopened a section of I-26 in Unicoi County closed previously due to flooding from Hurricane Helene. TDOT officials say the roadway is open from theTennessee/North Carolina state line to Exit 40 in Erwin, Tennessee for local traffic and deliveries only. Officials stress that the…… Continue Reading

Tennessee Offensive Line Lands On 2024 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Offensive Line Lands On 2024 Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll

Posted on October 10, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

NEW YORK — For the fourth consecutive year, Tennessee’s offensive line has earned a spot on the Joe Moore Award Midseason Honor Roll, recognizing the nation’s most outstanding offensive line units. The Vols are one of 22 teams on the 2024 honor roll, including four SEC units. Tennessee’s offensive line has paved the way and protected…… Continue Reading

Knoxville Police Need Your Help to Identify a Shooting Suspect
KPD

Knoxville Police Need Your Help to Identify a Shooting Suspect

Posted on October 10, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Knoxville Police Detectives need your help to identify a shooting suspect. The shooting happened in the 1500 block of Connecticut Avenue on September 28th and was captured on video. The victim, a 48-year-old man, was shot in the foot. The suspect, wearing dark-colored clothes, ran from the scene. If you have any information, you are…… Continue Reading