Three Vols Earn SEC Weekly Honors
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Three Vols Earn SEC Weekly Honors

Posted on September 23, 2024

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After Tennessee picked up a top-15 victory on the road against Oklahoma this past weekend, the Southeastern Conference office recognized three Vols with weekly awards. Redshirt freshman placekicker Max Gilbert was tabbed the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week, junior edge rusher Joshua Josephs was named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, and redshirt freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava earned SEC Freshman of the Week accolades for the third time this season.
 
Tennessee’s three SEC weekly honorees are its most in a single week since having three players recognized after the win over No. 3/1 Alabama on Oct. 15, 2022. Additionally, Iamaleava’s three SEC Freshman of the Week awards this season ties the school record set by Tyler Bray — who won it three times in a four-week span during the 2010 campaign.

Gilbert earns SEC Special Teams Player of the Week recognition for the first time in his career after making 3-of-3 fields goals and drilling both of his PATs in Norman, helping the Vols secure the 25-15 victory. The Memphis native hit field goals of 27, 41 and 32 yards and accounted for all six of the Vols’ points in the second half to finish off the win. His 10 field goals and 24 extra points this season both rank fourth in the FBS, and his 54 points scored are tied for second in the nation.
 
Josephs was a disruptive force on a dominant Tennessee defensive line Saturday night, posting three tackles, a tackle for loss, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in one of the most memorable defensive efforts in school history. The win was Tennessee’s first over an AP Top 15 team on the road since 2006, and Josephs delivered arguably the biggest play of the game with a forced fumble and recovery in the red zone. He was the highest graded defensive player in the game according to Pro Football Focus with a mark of 94.4 and part of a defensive unit that limited the Sooners to a season-low 36 yards rushing.
 
Iamaleava complemented the elite defensive display with a solid performance in his first career SEC start, completing 13-of-21 passes for 194 yards and one touchdown through the air and adding 15 yards on the ground. He fired a career-long 66-yard touchdown pass to Dont’e Thornton Jr. in the first quarter and connected with Bru McCoy on a pair of spectacular throws for 38 and 42 yards in the win.
 
Tennessee has earned six SEC Weekly honors this season and 35 during the Josh Heupel era (2021-present) — including six Freshman of the Week accolades, seven Defensive Lineman of the Week awards and five Special Teams Player of the Week honors.
 

SEC Weekly Awards – Week 4

Co-Offensive Player of the Week
Nate Noel, RB, Missouri
Garrett Nussmeier, QB, LSU
 
Defensive Player of the Week
TJ Metcalf, DB, Arkansas
 
Special Teams Player of the Week
Max Gilbert, PK, Tennessee
 
Offensive Lineman of the Week
Austin Barber, OT, Florida
 
Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week
Bradyn Swinson, DE, LSU
Joshua Josephs, DE, Tennessee
 
Freshman of the Week
Nico Iamaleava, QB, Tennessee
 

Tennessee Football – 2024 SEC Weekly Honors (6)

Special Teams Player of the Week (1)
Max Gilbert (at Oklahoma, 9/21)
 
Offensive Lineman of the Week (1)
Cooper Mays (vs. NC State, 9/7)
 
Defensive Lineman of the Week (1)
Joshua Josephs (at Oklahoma, 9/21)
 
Freshman of the Week (3)
Nico Iamaleava (vs. Chattanooga, 8/31; vs. NC State, 9/7; at Oklahoma, 9/21)

AP Names LVFL Jackson To WNBA All-Rookie Team
Courtesy / UT Athletics

AP Names LVFL Jackson To WNBA All-Rookie Team

Posted on September 23, 2024

The Associated Press announced on Sunday that it has named LVFL and Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson to its 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team.
 
Jackson, who starred at Tennessee from 2022-24 and was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks, was one of five players chosen to the squad. She joined AP WNBA Rookie of the Year honoree Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever along with Angel Reese (Chicago Sky), Leonie Fiebich (New York) and Kamilla Cardoso (Chicago) on the squad. The WNBA will soon announce its awards as well.
 
A three-time Coaches All-SEC First Team recipient and four-time WBCA All-America Honorable Mention choice, Jackson is the eighth Lady Vol to be named to a WNBA All-Rookie Team. She follows previous honorees Jordan Horston (2023), Diamond DeShields (2018), Glory Johnson (2012), Candace Parker (2008), Nicky Anosike (2008), Tamika Catchings (2002) and Chamique Holdsclaw (1999).
 
Jackson, who was in the starting lineup for 35 of 40 games this season, played 28.8 minutes per contest and averaged 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists for the Sparks. The 6-foot-2 Tennessee product shot 45.6 percent from the field, 34.7 percent beyond the three-point arc and 80.7 percent from the free throw line.
 
Only Dearica Hamby had a higher scoring average (17.3) and more starts (40) and average minutes played (33.7) for Los Angeles than the rookie. As a scorer, Jackson registered double figures on 28 occasions, tallying 20 points or more six times. Her season best of 25 came on Aug. 25 at Dallas, when she connected on nine of 15 attempts from the field, including 6-of-8 marksmanship from three-point land in a 37-minute outing. She added four assists, three rebounds, three blocks and two steals vs. the Wings as well.
 
As the No. 4 selection in the 2024 WNBA Draft, Jackson became the 46th Lady Vol taken in all WNBA Drafts and the 44th in drafts featuring only college players. She was the 21st Lady Vol taken in the first round (19th in college-only drafts) and gave UT first-round picks in four consecutive drafts for the first time in the program’s rich history. She followed Jordan Horston (2023, 9th, Seattle), Rae Burrell (2022, 9th, Los Angeles) and Rennia Davis (9th, Minnesota, 2021) in that run.

Postgame Notes: #6/7 Tennessee 25, #15/13 Oklahoma 15
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Postgame Notes: #6/7 Tennessee 25, #15/13 Oklahoma 15

Posted on September 23, 2024

TENNESSEE FOOTBALL POSTGAME NOTES
Sept. 21, 2024 | Norman, Okla. | Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium
FINAL SCORE: No. 6/7 Tennessee 25, No. 15/13 Oklahoma 15

General Notes

  • Saturday’s attendance at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium: 84,701 (sold out)
  • Tennessee’s all-time on-field record improved to 880-414-53 with Saturday’s win (NCAA record: 869-414-53).
  • Josh Heupel returned to Norman and defeated his alma mater for the first time as a head coach. The 2001 OU graduate led the Sooners to their last national championship in 2000 and finished as the Heisman Trophy runner-up that season. Heupel also spent 11 years as an assistant coach at Oklahoma from 2003-14.
  • The win marked Heupel’s 10th victory over a ranked opponent as head coach of the Vols and second of the 2024 campaign.
    • It was Tennessee’s first road win over a top-15 foe in the AP Top 25 since beating No. 10 Georgia in Athens on Oct. 7, 2006.
    • Note: Tennessee defeated Pitt – who was ranked 17th in the AP poll and 14th in the AFCA coaches poll – on the road in overtime, 34-27, on Sept. 10, 2022.
    • The win represented Tennessee’s fourth ranked victory on the road under Heupel. Previous road triumphs included wins at No. 18 Kentucky in 2021 and at No. 17 Pittsburgh and No. 25 LSU in 2022.
  • Saturday’s meeting marked the fifth matchup in the Tennessee-Oklahoma series and first as Southeastern Conference opponents.
    • The Vols earned their second win all-time over the Sooners and first since a 17-0 victory in the 1939 Orange Bowl which capped Tennessee’s first of six national championship seasons.

Vol Captains/Coin Toss

Team Offensive Notes

  • The Vols outgained the Sooners 345-222 on Saturday, eclipsing 300 yards of total offense for the 41st time in 43 games of the Josh Heupel era.
  • Tennessee led Oklahoma 10-3 at the end of the first quarter. The Vols have outscored opponents 78-3 in the opening stanza this season and 519-172 since 2021 under Heupel.

Individual Offensive Notes

  • Senior WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. capped the first quarter with a 66-yard touchdown reception from QB Nico Iamaleava, equaling the longest catch of his career.
    • Thornton’s previous 66-yard catch came during his freshman season at Oregon, also for a touchdown against Oklahoma in the 2021 Alamo Bowl.
    • It was also the longest completion of Iamaleava’s career.
  • Junior RB Dylan Sampson notched his 10th rushing touchdown with 1:40 left in the first half, plunging in from one yard out to give the Vols a 19-3 edge.
    • Sampson becomes the third Tennessee running back in the last three seasons to score double-digit rushing TDs in a single campaign – joining Jabari Small and Jaylen Wright who had 13 and 10 in 2022, respectively.

Team Defensive Notes

  • Dating back to the 2024 Citrus Bowl vs. Iowa on Jan. 1, Tennessee went 19 consecutive quarters without allowing an offensive touchdown before Oklahoma crossed the goal line with 8:25 remaining in the fourth quarter. It was the second-longest streak in program history, longest in the FBS in the last 20 years and longest for Tennessee since shutting out 15-straight opponents from Nov. 5, 1938 to Dec. 9, 1939.
  • Tennessee limited the Sooners to a season-low 36 yards rushing. It was the fewest rushing yards allowed by Tennessee against an SEC opponent since giving up 19 against Florida during the 2020 season.
    • UT has held opponents below 100 yards rushing 21 times under defensive coordinator Tim Banks, including every game this season. UT has won 15 consecutive games when accomplishing that feat.
  • Ten players combined for 11 tackles for loss in Norman, marking the second time in three weeks UT registered double-digit TFLs. UT had 13 vs. NC State on Sept. 7 in Charlotte.
    • Tennessee has racked up 328.0 tackles for loss under Banks (7.63 per game) since the start of the 2021 season.

Individual Defensive Notes

  • DB Jermod McCoy recorded his first interception as a Vol and the third of his career to stall Oklahoma’s third drive of the game. McCoy had two interceptions as a true freshman for Oregon State in 2023.
  • Facing first-and-goal after an untimely turnover, DL Joshua Josephs got the ball back for the Big Orange with a forced fumble and recovery at the UT 6-yard line early in the second quarter. It was Josephs’ first career forced fumble and second fumble recovery of the season.
  • After a false start backed Oklahoma to its own 2-yard line, DL Jayson Jenkins wrapped up the Sooner running back in the end zone for a safety to put the Vols ahead 12-3 with 9:12 left in the second quarter. The play marked Jenkins’ second career TFL.
    • It marked the second-straight week Tennessee logged a safety after a bad snap by Kent State was recovered in the end zone on Sept. 14.
  • Tennessee forced its third takeaway of the first half with 5:27 remaining in the second quarter when a lateral pass bounced on the turf and was recovered by DB Jakobe Thomas. It was his second career fumble recovery and first as a Vol.
  • DL Jaxson Moi led the Vols with two TFLs on the night, matching his career-high. He also posted a sack, his first as a Vol, in the fourth quarter.

Special Teams Notes

  • P Jackson Ross had a career day after not seeing much action through the first three weeks of the season – booming a career-high eight punts for 387 yards (48.4 avg.), which included three punts of 50-plus yards and two downed inside the 20.
  • PK Max Gilbert was perfect from the kicking spot, nailing three field goals of 27, 41 and 32 yards and converting both of his extra-point attempts.

Career Highs

The following players set or tied career highs in the respective statistical categories listed below:

Offense

Defense/Special Teams

Tennessee Vols Football Team Rises in AP Poll
UT Sports

Tennessee Vols Football Team Rises in AP Poll

Posted on September 23, 2024

After defeating Oklahoma in their first SEC matchup of the season, the Vols have taken another step up in the AP Poll standings.

The 25-15 win over the Sooners on Saturday helped Tennessee to rise one spot to number 5.

Texas, Georgia, Ohio State and Alabama are the top four teams on the list.

The Vols will enjoy their scheduled bye week this weekend before they head to Fayetteville, Arkansas, to take on the Razorbacks on October 5th.

Tennessee Earns Point on the Road, Ties Alabama 2-2
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Earns Point on the Road, Ties Alabama 2-2

Posted on September 23, 2024

Game Recap: Soccer | September 22, 2024

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –  In its first SEC road contest of the season, the No. 23 Tennessee soccer team picked up a point after tying Alabama 2-2.

Tennessee moves to 6-1-2 on the season and has gone unbeaten for eight consecutive matches now.

Junior Kennedy Price and graduate Sammi Woods found the back of the net for the Lady Vols.
Price’s goal was the first of her career. The defender also notched the secondary assist on Woods’ goal, marking her first-ever three-point performance.

Nedya Sawan and Gianna Paul were Alabama’s (7-2-2) goal-scorers as Lexi Meyer earned an assist on both goals. Additionally, goalkeeper Coralie Lallier registered five saves on the night.
Despite the Crimson Tide outshooting UT 20-to-12, the Lady Vols put seven shots on frame opposed to UA’s four.

The first half was a defensive battle before Sawan’s header found the back of the net in the 40th minute, putting Bama on the board first.

Price swiftly responded with a goal to level the match 1-1 in the 42nd minute. The Franklin, Tennessee, native was just outside the box and perfectly placed the ball in the back right corner of the net.

Unlike the opening frame, the second half saw early goals for each squad.
Woods registered her team-leading fourth goal of the season in the 51st minute after Price passed to Reese Mattern who then perfectly lofted the ball into the box.

Alabama’s equalizer came one minute later when Paul finished in the box.

UT’s Luciana Latino and Jaida Thomas both put a pair of shots in frame later in the match but were unable to break through.

UP NEXT: The Lady Vols will head to Florida for a 7 pm ET match on Thursday for its third SEC contest of the season.

TBI Silver Alert Ends with a Tragic Outcome for an Oak Ridge Man

TBI Silver Alert Ends with a Tragic Outcome for an Oak Ridge Man

Posted on September 22, 2024

UPDATE: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Silver Alert for 63 year-old John Thomas out of Oak Ridge has a sad ending.

Officials say he was found dead. He was last seen on Thursday on his way to work towards Knoxville.

No other details have been released.

Original Story: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued a Silver Alert for an Oak Ridge man.

63 year-old John Thomas was last seen Thursday and may be driving a white, 2002 Chrysler 300 with TN tag 145-BJZQ.

He is 6’3″, 250 lbs., with gray hair and brown eyes.  Please call Oak Ridge PD at (865) 425-4399 or TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND.

He has a medical condition that may impair his ability to return safely without assistance. 

Truck Carrying Equipment from Tennessee Oklahoma Football Game Involved in Crash
Courtesy of WVLT

Truck Carrying Equipment from Tennessee Oklahoma Football Game Involved in Crash

Posted on September 22, 2024

The Vols’ equipment truck hit a snag on the way back from the Oklahoma game.

According to cameras from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the truck was involved in an incident I-40 near the I-30 interchange in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

WVLT News reached out to Tennessee Associate Athletic Director of Strategic Communications Bill Martin for more information on the situation. Martin said, “Our equipment truck was involved in an accident while returning to Knoxville, and there were no injuries.”

No other details have been released.

Great Smoky Mountain Flint Gap Fire Update 
GSMNP

Great Smoky Mountain Flint Gap Fire Update 

Posted on September 22, 2024

GATLINBURG, TN—The Flint Gap Fire is now 75% contained. Yesterday, firefighters hiked into the fire and continued to safely secure the perimeter and put out hot spots. Today fire crews continue to work the fire, mopping up hot spots and remaining areas of heat within the perimeter. Crews have had great success in reducing the threat from the fire. 

After today, the fire team will transition to a Type 4 Incident Commander and will downsize to one ten-person crew—this is a result of decreasing complexity, fire threat and incident complexity. Fire crews will continue to monitor and take additional actions as needed.

The park received a report of the fire (ttps://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/wildland-fire-burning-near-hannah-mountain.htm) burning in a remote area of the park near Hannah Mountain, south of Abrams Creek, the evening of Aug. 26. An investigation revealed several days later that the fire was started by lightning https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/flint-gap-fire-determined-to-be-caused-by-lightning.htm. No structures are threatened at this time. 
 
Parson Branch Road as well as some park trails and backcountry campsites are currently closed due to fire activity. Check the park website for road closures https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/conditions.htm and other updates https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/temproadclose.htm before visiting. All fire updates are available on the park website https://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/news/newsreleases.htm.

Country News

Weather

  • Forecast
  • Currents
  • Planner

Country News

Three Vols Earn SEC Weekly Honors
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Three Vols Earn SEC Weekly Honors

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – After Tennessee picked up a top-15 victory on the road against Oklahoma this past weekend, the Southeastern Conference office recognized three Vols with weekly awards. Redshirt freshman placekicker Max Gilbert was tabbed the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week, junior edge rusher Joshua Josephs was named SEC Co-Defensive Lineman of the Week, and redshirt freshman quarterback Nico…… Continue Reading

AP Names LVFL Jackson To WNBA All-Rookie Team
Courtesy / UT Athletics

AP Names LVFL Jackson To WNBA All-Rookie Team

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

The Associated Press announced on Sunday that it has named LVFL and Los Angeles Sparks forward Rickea Jackson to its 2024 WNBA All-Rookie Team. Jackson, who starred at Tennessee from 2022-24 and was the No. 4 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft by the Sparks, was one of five players chosen to the squad. She joined AP…… Continue Reading

Postgame Notes: #6/7 Tennessee 25, #15/13 Oklahoma 15
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Postgame Notes: #6/7 Tennessee 25, #15/13 Oklahoma 15

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

TENNESSEE FOOTBALL POSTGAME NOTESSept. 21, 2024 | Norman, Okla. | Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial StadiumFINAL SCORE: No. 6/7 Tennessee 25, No. 15/13 Oklahoma 15 General Notes Vol Captains/Coin Toss Team Offensive Notes Individual Offensive Notes Team Defensive Notes Individual Defensive Notes Special Teams Notes Career Highs The following players set or tied career highs…… Continue Reading

MEDIC With a Narrow Win in Annual Blood Competition Against Florida

MEDIC With a Narrow Win in Annual Blood Competition Against Florida

Posted on September 23, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

MEDIC Regional Blood Center is the winner of the annual competition against LifeSouth Blood Center out of Florida. Medic beating LifeSouth by 33 units collecting 1,727 pints of blood. You can always donate to Medic, please go to medic blood dot org to schedule your appointment, walk-ins are welcome.… Continue Reading

Tennessee Earns Point on the Road, Ties Alabama 2-2
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Tennessee Earns Point on the Road, Ties Alabama 2-2

Posted on September 23, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

Game Recap: Soccer | September 22, 2024 TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –  In its first SEC road contest of the season, the No. 23 Tennessee soccer team picked up a point after tying Alabama 2-2. Tennessee moves to 6-1-2 on the season and has gone unbeaten for eight consecutive matches now. Junior Kennedy Price and graduate Sammi Woods found the back of the…… Continue Reading

TBI Silver Alert Ends with a Tragic Outcome for an Oak Ridge Man

TBI Silver Alert Ends with a Tragic Outcome for an Oak Ridge Man

Posted on September 22, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

UPDATE: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s Silver Alert for 63 year-old John Thomas out of Oak Ridge has a sad ending. Officials say he was found dead. He was last seen on Thursday on his way to work towards Knoxville. No other details have been released. Original Story: The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has issued…… Continue Reading

Truck Carrying Equipment from Tennessee Oklahoma Football Game Involved in Crash
Courtesy of WVLT

Truck Carrying Equipment from Tennessee Oklahoma Football Game Involved in Crash

Posted on September 22, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The Vols’ equipment truck hit a snag on the way back from the Oklahoma game. According to cameras from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the truck was involved in an incident I-40 near the I-30 interchange in North Little Rock, Arkansas. WVLT News reached out to Tennessee Associate Athletic Director of Strategic Communications Bill Martin…… Continue Reading

Great Smoky Mountain Flint Gap Fire Update 
GSMNP

Great Smoky Mountain Flint Gap Fire Update 

Posted on September 22, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

GATLINBURG, TN—The Flint Gap Fire is now 75% contained. Yesterday, firefighters hiked into the fire and continued to safely secure the perimeter and put out hot spots. Today fire crews continue to work the fire, mopping up hot spots and remaining areas of heat within the perimeter. Crews have had great success in reducing the threat from…… Continue Reading