SEC Fines University of Tennessee After Fans Storm Field After Alabama Win Which Also Sees the Vols Back in the Top 10 in AP Poll
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SEC Fines University of Tennessee After Fans Storm Field After Alabama Win Which Also Sees the Vols Back in the Top 10 in AP Poll

Posted on October 21, 2024

The Southeastern Conference has fined the University of Tennessee after fans stormed the field following Saturday night’s win over the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The $100,000 fine, which was handed down yesterday (Sunday), is a result of SEC‘s policy that went into effect in June of last year.

Schools are fined $100,000 for their first offense, $250,000 for a second offense and $500,000 for a third offense.

This was Tennessee‘s first offense as the updated policy reset schools’ prior record for fines. Under the previous policy, Tennessee’s fine would have been $250,000.

TN Vols Football back in the top 10 in AP Poll Following Alabama win

The Tennessee Volunteers are back in the top 10 in the AP College Football Poll after defeating Alabama 24-17 in Knoxville.

The Vols are ranked No. 7 in the country, while Alabama dropped eight spots to No. 15 after the loss.

Oregon is now ranked as the No. 1 team and Texas fell four spots to No. 5 after being beaten by Georgia, who moved up to No. 2 in the poll.

Penn State and Ohio State are numbers 3 and 4.

Tennessee has a bye week and will take on Kentucky November 2nd in Neyland Stadium.

State of Tennessee Helene Recovery Including FEMA Information

State of Tennessee Helene Recovery Including FEMA Information

Posted on October 21, 2024

Hurricane Helene Recovery

101824 State Route and Interstate Closure Map

Roadway Closures as of October 18, 2024. Click on the map for a higher resolution image.

Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) crews are working  to assess damage, inspect all state-owned bridges, and repair connectivity in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit Tennessee on September 27, 2024.  The counties with the most significant damage are Washington, Carter, Unicoi, Johnson, Greene, and Cocke, but this has a major impact across East Tennessee. Long-term closures will be in place across the region as many routes will require significant repairs and for others, a total rebuild. 

Interstate 26/40 Northern Detour

Interstate 26/40 Southern Detour

Detailed Route Closure Information

Project Status Tracker

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) continues to deploy personnel at the request of affected counties and is coordinating with local officials to assess damages and ensure life safety needs are met. For more on efforts and resources provided by TEMA, click here. 

cone

Traffic Impacts

Updates about bridge, lane, and road closures will be posted to this page. For the most up-to-date closure information, please visit TDOT SmartWay.

TDOT SmartWay

people

Affected Property Owners

If you own property along the highlighted State Routes impacted by Helene, TDOT needs to speak with you about right-of-way access during the rebuilding process. Property owners can contact us by emailing [email protected] or by calling 833-TDOTFIX (836-8349) and following the voice prompts.

Hurricane Helene

Banner image: Hurricane Helene

Disaster Hotline: (423) 830-2696

The Disaster Hotline is operational from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET, Monday – Saturday and 12 p.m. – 6 p.m. ET on Sunday. This hotline is available for community members, donors, and national/international organizations seeking information or requiring specific logistical considerations about disaster relief efforts.

Federal Assistance

Volunteer and Donation Information

Helene Resources

Multi-Agency Resource Centers

Protective Actions and Key Messages

  • If you are suffering a mental health crisis, call or text 988.
  • Apply for FEMA Individual Assistance: online anytime or by phone at 1-800-621-3362 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. ET.
  • Individuals may be eligible for FEMA’s Serious Needs Assistance, an upfront, flexible payment of $750 to help cover essential items while survivors are assessed for Individual Assistance eligibility. For more information about Serious Needs Assistance, visit FEMA’s website.
  • The Crisis Clean-Up Hotline (844) 965-1386 has been established for survivors who need assistance with clean-up efforts. This service is at no cost to the survivors who are requesting assistance. The hotline will be available until Oct. 25. 
  • The Disaster Hotline, (423) 830-2696, has been established to serve as a unified regional hotline.
  • The Tennessee Attorney General’s Division of Consumer Affairs reminds Tennesseans to be cautious and wary of disaster relief scams. You can find helpful tips on their website.
  • Do not enter damaged buildings or hazardous locations.
  • Hire only licensed contractors and do not pay the total amount before the work is complete. More tips for consumers can be found here.
  • Restoring your ability to communicate is a critical priority.  Always call 811 before you dig.
  • Report down or cut power lines and stay clear of the area.
  • If your house or property sustained damage, take pictures before cleanup efforts and contact your insurance company. TDCI’s Complaint Line for insurance: (615) 741-2218 or 1-800-342-4029.
  • Do not self-deploy to assist impacted areas. Wait for local officials to issue guidance.
  • Do not attempt to cross flooded roads or walkways. Turn around, don’t drown.
  • Contact your local emergency management agency if you need immediate assistance. 

 

Hurricane Helene Damage

Information www.TN.Gov

#11/10 Tennessee Turns Back #7 Tide, 24-17

#11/10 Tennessee Turns Back #7 Tide, 24-17

Posted on October 20, 2024

Game Recap: Football | October 19, 2024 | Eric Trainer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Safety Will Brooks’ interception with one minute, 28 seconds remaining sealed the deal, as No. 11/10 Tennessee’s defense was stout throughout and its offense scored all of its points in the second half to earn a thrilling 24-17 victory over No. 7 Alabama in front of a raucous crowd of 101,915 on Saturday night at Neyland Stadium.

The Vols (6-1, 3-1 SEC) trailed 7-0 at the half, 10-7 in the third quarter and 17-14 in the fourth before a 16-yard Nico Iamaleava pass found a diving Chris Brazzell II in the back of the end zone to put UT up 21-17 with 5:52 remaining. Max Gilbert’s 41-yard field goal with 1:30 left extended the lead to seven, 24-17.

The Crimson Tide (5-2, 2-2 SEC), though, had one final opportunity, starting at its own 25. On the first play, quarterback Jalen Milroe’s pass attempt was picked off by Brooks. The Tennessee offense took two snaps to run out the clock, setting the scene for the orange-clad masses to stream onto the field and carry both goal posts out of the historic venue, reminiscent of the 52-49 Vols triumph in Knoxville two seasons ago.

Running back Dylan Sampson propelled a second-half resurgence by the Big Orange’s offense, carrying 26 times for a career-high-tying 139 yards and two touchdowns on the night. With the two scores, Sampson passed Tony Thompson (16 in 1990) and tied Reggie Cobb (17 in 1987) for the second-most single-season rushing TDs in Tennessee history. Only Gene McEver (18 in 1929) has more.

In addition to Brooks’ pick, cornerback Jermod McCoy came up with a huge one earlier in the game to prevent points by Alabama. With the Tide threatening at the UT three-yard line, the cornerback leaped high into the air to intercept a second-down Milroe pass in the end zone and return the ball 54 yards to the Alabama 46. McCoy finished the game with a team-high eight stops and added a pass break-up. Brooks also matched McCoy for tackles, including a pair of key stops that appeared to thwart potential scoring plays, and added a tackle for a loss.

The UT defense was relentless all night long, finishing with 12 quarterback hurries, three sacks and nine tackles for losses. James Pearce Jr. and Joshua Josephs each had three hurries, while Dominic Bailey added a pair of pressures. Pearce (1.5), Bailey (1) and Jeremiah Telander (0.5) all recorded sacks of the shifty Milroe, limiting his rushing total to only 11 yards on 14 attempts.

Tennessee now has held its opponents under 20 points in eight straight games, dating back to the 35-0 shutout win over Iowa in the 2024 Citrus Bowl. It marks the first time UT has accomplished the feat in its first seven games of a season since 1969.

Receivers Bru McCoy and Dont’e Thornton Jr. stretched the defense and helped keep the Tide defense off balance. McCoy finished with a game-high 80 receiving yards on a season-high six catches, while Thornton Jr. hauled in three balls for 70. Quarterback Nico Iamaleava finished 14 of 27 for 194 yards, with 150 of them going to those two targets.

The first half saw only one score between the teams. Tennessee’s defense forced Alabama to punt four times in seven possessions, intercepted a pass and held the Crimson Tide to a 50-yard field goal attempt that fell short late in the second stanza. UA’s defense, meanwhile, made UT punt only once, but it kept the hosts scoreless with three takeaways and benefited from two unsuccessful field goal tries of 50-plus yards by the Big Orange.

Alabama generated the only points of the opening 30 minutes early in the second stanza. Milroe found wide receiver Ryan Williams in the end zone for a five-yard touchdown pass with 13:01 left in the half, and Graham Nicholson’s PAT gave the Crimson Tide a 7-0 lead.

The Vol offense started clicking on the opening drive of the second half, tying the game with 6:32 to go in the third quarter. The Big Orange went 91 yards to do it, scoring in only seven plays and covering 84 of those yards on the ground. Iamaleava rushed for 31 of those and Sampson racked up 53 more, including a two-yard plunge into the checkerboard. Gilbert’s PAT made it 7-7.

Alabama retook the lead on its next possession, putting together a 10-play, 58-yard drive. Nicholson’s 35-yard field goal pushed the Crimson Tide back on top, 10-7, with 3:11 remaining in the third frame.

The Vols punched right back and seized their first lead of the game. With their five-play drive boosted by an incredible third-and-six connection of 55 yards from Iamaleava to Thornton Jr. down to the Alabama three, Sampson burst through the line on the next play to hit the checkerboard. Gilbert’s extra point provided Tennessee a 14-10 advantage with a minute to go in the third.

The Crimson Tide needed only six plays to wrestle the lead right back. Justice Haynes squirted up the middle for a seven-yard touchdown run, and Nicholson’s PAT gave Alabama a 17-14 advantage with 13:56 remaining in the contest.

The second-half scoring volley continued with a little “Razzle Brazzell” from the home team. A diving catch by Brazzell II capped a seven-play, go-ahead Tennessee drive. Gilbert booted the extra point to increase the Vols’ edge to 21-17 with 5:52 left on the clock.

After the Rocky Top defense forced an Alabama punt and ended another drive on downs in back-to-back series, UT’s Gilbert extended his team’s lead to 24-17 with 1:30 left, splitting the uprights from 41 yards out. It was an advantage the Vols were able to preserve to claim victory.

UP NEXT
After being idle next weekend, Tennessee returns to Shields-Watkins Field on Nov. 2 to face Kentucky in the Vols’ third straight home game. Kickoff time and TV network will be announced next week.

Postgame Notes: #11/10 Tennessee 24, #7/7 Alabama 17
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Postgame Notes: #11/10 Tennessee 24, #7/7 Alabama 17

Posted on October 20, 2024

TENNESSEE FOOTBALL POSTGAME NOTES
Oct. 19, 2024 | Knoxville, Tenn. | Neyland Stadium
FINAL SCORE: No. 11/10 Tennessee 24, No. 7/7 Alabama 17
General Notes

  • Saturday’s attendance at Neyland Stadium: 101,915 (sold out)
    • The contest marked Tennessee’s 17th consecutive sellout in Neyland Stadium.
  • Tennessee’s all-time on-field record improved to 882-415-53 with Saturday’s win (NCAA record: 871-415-53).
  • Saturday marked the 107th meeting between Tennessee and Alabama. Billed the Third Saturday in October since 1939, the two sides met as top-20 teams for the 22nd time.
    • Tennessee has earned back-to-back home wins against Alabama for the first time since 2004-06. Combining with Saturday’s victory, the Vols last defeated the Crimson Tide in Knoxville, 52-49, on Oct. 15, 2022.
    • Tennessee’s back-to-back wins over Alabama in Neyland Stadium represent the first time Alabama has lost consecutive games in the same stadium (regular season only) since falling to Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium in 2005 and 2007.
    • The Vols have put up at least 20 points in Josh Heupel‘s first four meetings vs. the Tide. It’s the first time UT put up at least 20 in four straight meetings since 1995-2001.
  • Tennessee owns a 22-4 record in Neyland Stadium under Heupel and has won 17 of its last 18 games in the venue.
  • With Saturday’s victory, Tennessee (6-1, 3-1 SEC) secured bowl eligibility for the fourth consecutive season under Heupel. It’s the longest streak of bowl-eligible seasons for the program since making 16 straight bowl appearances from 1989-2004.
  • Heupel is now 11-8 against AP top-25 teams in his Tennessee tenure, including 10-4 over the last three seasons and 3-0 in 2024.
    • Heupel now owns four top-10 victories in his career, all in the last three seasons at the helm of the Volunteers.
  • Tennessee became the first team to defeat Alabama with 24 or fewer points in over a decade. The last time it happened was on Oct. 4, 2014, when No. 11 Ole Miss logged a 23-17 decision in Oxford, Miss.
  • The Volunteers held Alabama to its lowest point total since Sept. 16, 2023, when the Crimson Tide won, 17-3, at South Florida.
    • The last time Alabama scored 17 points or fewer in a loss was the 2018 national championship game, a 44-16 setback against Clemson on Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. The Crimson Tide last scored 17 points or fewer in a regular season loss on Nov. 25, 2017, when it fell, 26-14, at Auburn.
  • Each of Alabama’s last two regular season regulation losses to a ranked SEC team are against Tennessee, as this decision joins the one on Oct. 15, 2022, when the Volunteers were sixth nationally.
    • Alabama’s last loss to a ranked SEC team came in overtime on Nov. 5, 2022, at No. 10 LSU, 32-31.
  • Tennessee now has two wins over Alabama in the last three seasons. No other team in the country has two victories over the Crimson Tide in the last five seasons (2020-24).
    • Over the last three seasons (2022-24), Alabama has as many losses to Tennessee as it does to every other SEC school combined (based off affiliation at the time of the game). It has one loss each to LSU and Vanderbilt.
    • Individually, Heupel now has two wins versus Alabama in the last two years. No other coach in the nation has two victories against the Crimson Tide in the last seven seasons (2018-24).
  • Tennessee outscored Alabama by 10 points, 17-7, over the final 16 minutes of the contest to turn a three-point deficit into a seven-point win. Last week, the Volunteers outscored Florida by 16 points, 23-7, over the final 18 minutes plus overtime, turning a 10-point deficit into a six-point victory.

Vol Captains/Coin Toss

Team Offensive Notes

  • The Vols gained 408 yards on Saturday, eclipsing 300 yards of total offense for the 44th time in 46 games of the Josh Heupel era.
  • The Vols have put up 400 yards of total offense in a game 32 times under Heupel.
  • Tennessee totaled 214 yards on the ground, toting the ball 43 times for an average of 5.0 yards per carry.
    • Excluding the two kneel-downs to end the game, the Vols had 41 carries for 220 yards, 5.4 per attempt.
    • Tennessee has produced 200 rushing yards in the Heupel era in 27 games and owns a 25-2 record when doing so, including 19 wins in a row.

Individual Offensive Notes

  • Doak Walker candidate Dylan Sampson, a junior RB, punched in a two-yard touchdown with 6:32 left in the third quarter and then a three-yard score with 1:00 to go in the same frame, upping his marks to 17 rushing touchdowns this season and 30 in his career.
    • Sampson now has six outings this season with multiple rushing touchdowns after no other Volunteer this century (2000-24) had even five in a single campaign.
    • With the two scores, Sampson passed Tony Thompson (16 in 1990) and tied Reggie Cobb (17 in 1987) for the second-most single-season rushing touchdowns in Tennessee history. Only Gene McEver (18 in 1929) has more.
    • Additionally, Sampson moved two scores past Stanley Morgan (28 from 1973-76) for sole possession of fourth-place on Tennessee’s career leaderboard.
      • The only Tennessee running back with more rushing touchdowns in the last 90 years is James Stewart (35 from 1991-94). The other two players ahead of Sampson are Gene McEver (37 from 1928-31) and quarterback Joshua Dobbs (32 from 2013-16).
  • Sampson finished with 26 carries for a career-high-tying 139 yards in the contest, his sixth triple-digit performance of the season and his seventh (in as many games) with over 90.
    • Sampson moved into an eight-way tie for the sixth-most single-season 100-yard rushing performances by a Volunteer. This is the second consecutive year a Tennessee player hit that mark, as Jaylen Wright did so in 2023, after none did so the prior seven seasons (2016-22).
    • In addition, Sampson moved into a tie for sixth in program with history with 10 100-yard games in his career. The feat was last accomplished by Cedric Houston (2001-04).
  • Redshirt senior WR Bru McCoy reeled in a season-high six catches, totaling a game-best 80 yards, his second-highest yardage total in 2024.
  • Redshirt sophomore WR Chris Brazzell II notched his first touchdown in SEC play, hauling in a 16-yard pass from redshirt freshman QB Nico Iamaleava to give Tennessee the lead with 5:52 left in the fourth quarter.
  • Redshirt freshman QB Nico Iamaleava became the first rookie quarterback – true or redshirt freshman – to defeat Alabama since Auburn’s Bo Nix in 2019.
    • Iamaleava is the first Vol freshman to defeat the Tide since Erik Ainge in 2004.

Team Defensive Notes

  • Tennessee has held its opponent under 20 points in eight straight games, dating back to the 35-0 shutout win over Iowa in the 2024 Citrus Bowl. It marks the first time UT has accomplished the feat in its first seven games of a season since 1969.
  • For the third time this season, Tennessee forced a turnover when its opponent had a goal-to-go situation inside the five-yard-line. Sophomore DB Jermod McCoy intercepted a pass on second-and-goal from the three with 3:54 left in the first quarter.
    • The Volunteers previously forced such turnovers Sept. 21 at Oklahoma (forced fumble on first-and-goal from the five with 13:49 left in the second quarter) and Oct. 12 versus Florida (forced fumble on first-and-goal from the one with 3:19 left in the second quarter).
  • For the eighth consecutive game, a stretch dating back to the 2023 season finale in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Iowa, Tennessee allowed one or zero scores in the first half (field goal or touchdown).
    • In total, the Volunteers have conceded just 16 first-half points in their last eight games (three field goals, one touchdown and one extra point).
  • Tennessee limited Alabama to 75 rushing yards on 34 attempts, just 2.2 per carry. The Crimson Tide’s longest rush of the night was 11 yards.
  • The Volunteers held Alabama to a 3-of-14 (21.4 percent) mark on third down, as well as a 1-of-2 ledger (50.0 percent) on fourth down. 

Individual Defensive Notes

  • Facing second-and-goal from the Alabama three-yard line with 3:54 to go in the first quarter, Thorpe Award candidate Jermod McCoy, a sophomore DB, thwarted an eight-play drive when he nabbed his second interception of the season. The pick was returned 54 yards out of the end zone, representing UT’s second INT return of 50-plus yards this season (Will Brooks, 85 vs. NC State on Sept. 7).
    • McCoy finished tied with a team-high eight tackles (five solo), including 0.5 TFLs.
  • Redshirt senior DB Will Brooks co-led all Volunteers with eight tackles (five solo), two of which saved touchdowns, and added one TFL. He also iced the game with an interception, his second of the season, with 1:24 to play.
  • Three Volunteers finished with 1.5 TFLs to tie for the team lead: redshirt senior DL Dominic Bailey, junior DL James Pearce Jr. and redshirt junior DB Jakobe Thomas.

Special Teams Notes

  • Redshirt freshman PK Max Gilbert hit a 41-yard field goal 1:30 remaining in the game to make it a seven-point game. He also went 3-of-3 on extra points, moving to a perfect 31-of-31 on the year.
  • Redshirt sophomore P Jackson Ross amassed 187 yards on four punts, an average of 46.8 per attempt. He notched a long mark of 49 in the victory.

Career Highs

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

Offense

Defense/Special Teams

LCSO: Deputies Arrest Canadian Woman Accused of Scamming People Out of $60K

LCSO: Deputies Arrest Canadian Woman Accused of Scamming People Out of $60K

Posted on October 18, 2024

Loudon County, TN (WOKI) A Canadian woman is arrested Thursday in Loudon County, accused of bilking people out of at least $60,000 in a scamming operation.

Officials with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office say Soki Hangi of Quebec was part of a scamming operation spanning Loudon and Monroe Counties wherein the suspects were calling older adults, claiming to be their grandchildren.

LCSO says the suspects, posing as grandchildren of the victims, would call claiming they’ve been arrested and need money for bail.

“The scammer will call, act as if they are the grandchild of the victim, and convince the victim that they (the supposed grandchild) have been arrested and need money for bail,” the office said. “The scammer is even using the same nicknames that the grandchild would call the grandparent (Grandpa, Mamaw, etc.) that helps further convince the victim that they are actually the victim’s grandchild.”

Hangi was reportedly acting as a courier, the person who would pick up the “bail money” from the victims.

Officials urge those who may also have been fooled by this scam to call police at 865-458-9081.

Soki Hangi (Courtesy: LCSO)
TVA Evaluates Nolichucky Dam after Massive Flooding
WVLT

TVA Evaluates Nolichucky Dam after Massive Flooding

Posted on October 18, 2024

The Tennessee Valley Authority is sharing its findings after its evaluation of the Nolichucky Dam.

Crews were running inspections to see what needs to be fixed after massive flooding from Helene.

Crews say they used high-tech equipment like underwater remote control cameras and drones around the dam and engineers will continue to evaluate the area but so far no major damage to the dam structure has been found.

(Courtesy: WVLT)
Trained Mules and Farmers from East Tennessee go to Asheville to Help with Flood Aftermath
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Trained Mules and Farmers from East Tennessee go to Asheville to Help with Flood Aftermath

Posted on October 18, 2024

Nearly three weeks after severe flooding devastated parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, people are still pouring into the impacted areas and offering help.

Brian Minton owns a farm in Dandridge and has been to Asheville for several days over the last two weeks. He‘s shared what he’s seen on social media, and immediately received messages from people across the country offering their help.

Minton has trained mules on his farm and felt it would be a big help to bring them along on his trip to North Carolina. He then heard from several others who have specialized in training mules who wanted to join in and help.

“I told them I said, ‘Guys you can’t imagine what it‘s like, your life is going to change when you see this,’” said Minton.

There will be more than 25 miles and more than 25 people making the trip to Asheville first thing Thursday morning. People from Delaware, Kentucky, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Tennessee help make up the group looking to help.

Each of the farmers going has significant experience with mules and training them to help in a situation where they need to access a hard-to-reach area in the aftermath of a disaster.

“They’re very tough, and they’re very strong, and these are some very nice mules. And they can carry in 250 to 300 pounds of gear for everybody per mule easily,” said Arkansas farmer Max Bishop.

Bishop said the mules will help when they‘re in areas with washed-out roads because they’ll take the mules through the woods and steep terrain as they go to help others in need and work alongside first responders with recovery efforts.

It’s a group of cowboys from across the country who all heard about the devastation from the storm and wanted to put their area of expertise to good use.

“I’m blessed to have them I’m thankful for them being here and dang glad they’re on my team. Because we’re going to go up there and make a difference,” said Minton.

The group will leave Thursday morning and plan to stay in North Carolina for about a week. They‘ve also collected donations from across the country which they’ll be bringing to impacted communities.

(story courtesy of WVLT)

Dylan Sampson Added To Maxwell Award Midseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Dylan Sampson Added To Maxwell Award Midseason Watch List

Posted on October 17, 2024

PHILADELPHIA – The Maxwell Football Club announced Thursday that Tennessee football running back Dylan Sampson has been added to the mid-season watch list for the 88th Maxwell Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football.

Established in 1937, the Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football. It is presented annually to the most outstanding player in the sport, recognizing excellence on the field and exceptional contributions to the game. The award is named in honor of Robert “Tiny” Maxwell, a distinguished sportswriter and influential figure in college football.

After a remarkable six-game stretch to begin the 2024 season, Sampson was one of 17 FBS players added to the Maxwell Award watch list by the selection committee. The junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, leads the SEC in rushing touchdowns (15), rushing yards (699), and scoring (15.0 points per game).

Following his gritty three-touchdown effort in Tennessee’s 23-17 overtime victory over Florida, Sampson sits fourth in Tennessee history for both single-season (15) and career (28) rushing scores. He reached these milestones in only 20 quarters this season, as he did not play in the second half against Chattanooga or Kent State.

Sampson owns nine career 100-yard rushing games, including five out of the first six games this season. He was eight yards shy of hitting the mark at Oklahoma on Sept. 21. His nine career 100-yard games are tied with Tauren Poole (2008-11) and Arian Foster (2005-08) for the 10th most in Tennessee history.

Sampson has registered multi-touchdown rushing games in five out of his last six contests, and he has scored at least one touchdown in six straight games. The last Tennessee player with a rushing touchdown in six straight contests was Montario Hardesty, who did so in the opening six games of the 2009 season.

Semifinalists for the Maxwell Award will be announced Nov. 12, 2024, while the three finalists for the Maxwell Award will be unveiled Nov. 26, 2024. The winner of the 88th Maxwell Award will be announced as part of the ESPN Home Depot College Football Awards Show held on Dec. 12, 2024. The formal presentation of the Maxwell Award will be made at the Maxwell Football Club Awards on Friday, March 14, 2025 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta.

The Maxwell Award is a member of the National College Football Awards Association (NCFAA), which encompasses college football’s most prestigious awards. The NCFAA’s 25 awards have honored more than 900 recipients since 1935.

2024 Maxwell Award Watch List Additions – Oct. 17
Ryan Williams, Alabama (WR)
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State (RB)
Bryson Daily, Army (QB)
Luke Altmyer, Illinois (QB)
Kurtis Rourke, Indiana (QB)
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa (RB)
Alonza Barnett III, James Madison (QB)
Tre Harris, Mississippi (WR)
Blake Horvath, Navy (QB)
Chandler Morris, North Texas (QB)
Jeremiah Smith, Ohio State (WR)
Desmond Reid, Pittsburgh (RB)
Kyle McCord, Syracuse (QB)
Dylan Sampson, Tennessee (RB)
Le’Veon Moss, Texas A&M (RB)
Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt (QB)
John Mateer, Washington State (QB)

Cradle of Country Music Park in Knoxville is Expected to be Completed in Late Fall
wvlt

Cradle of Country Music Park in Knoxville is Expected to be Completed in Late Fall

Posted on October 17, 2024

The City of Knoxville says crews would be beginning the final phase of renovations for Cradle of Country Music Park this fall.

The park is located at Gay Street and Summit Hill Drive near the Arts District. It’s a half-acre green space in the center of downtown that will soon be getting a large piece of public art and several new mature trees.

The sculpture was designed by a New York studio and marks a more than $1 million investment for the space between the art and the landscaping.

This park pays tribute to Knoxville’s role in shaping country music and soon will be able to host music and small concerts under the trees and is expected to reopen in full late fall.

New Driver Services Locations Serving Storm Victims

New Driver Services Locations Serving Storm Victims

Posted on October 17, 2024

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (TDOSHS) is issuing free replacement identification licenses and driver licenses to citizens directly impacted by the East Tennessee floods at the Elizabethton Driver Services Center, Unicoi Police Department and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s (TEMA) three Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs). 

Driver Services are available at the MARCs located at 466 Learning Road (or Learning Way) in Newport; 1749 HWY 19E in Elizabethton and 306 Forest Drive in Jonesborough. At the MARCs, individuals affected by Hurricane Helene can also access available resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other federal, state and regional partners. The MARCs are open Monday through Saturday from7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT. 

The TDOSHS Driver Services mobile unit is at the Elizabethton Driver Services Center, 1741 Hwy 19E Bypass, while the center is temporarily closed due to the storm. In addition to the free duplicate licenses for flood victims, any Tennessean can complete a road skills and vision test, obtain a regular driver license, commercial driver license, REAL ID, photo ID, or update, replace, or renew their driver license at the mobile unit. The mobile unit is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. EDT and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. EDT and can only accept payment by credit or debit card.

The TDOSHS temporary location at the Unicoi Police Department, 3600 Unicoi Drive, provides Driver Services including free duplicate licenses to flood victims. This location is not serving the general public. The Unicoi Police Department temporary location is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT and can only accept payment by credit or debit card.

Due to storm damage, Driver Services are currently unavailable at the Greene County and Cocke County Clerk’s offices.

Citizens may also be able to complete many Driver Service transactions online. Visit tn.gov/safety/driver-services/online.html to learn more about the TDOSHS’s online services.

For more information about East Tennessee flood recovery resources, visit tn.gov/tema/updates/hurricane-helene.html.

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SEC Fines University of Tennessee After Fans Storm Field After Alabama Win Which Also Sees the Vols Back in the Top 10 in AP Poll
WVLT

SEC Fines University of Tennessee After Fans Storm Field After Alabama Win Which Also Sees the Vols Back in the Top 10 in AP Poll

Posted on October 21, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The Southeastern Conference has fined the University of Tennessee after fans stormed the field following Saturday night’s win over the Alabama Crimson Tide. The $100,000 fine, which was handed down yesterday (Sunday), is a result of SEC‘s policy that went into effect in June of last year. Schools are fined $100,000 for their first offense,…… Continue Reading

State of Tennessee Helene Recovery Including FEMA Information

State of Tennessee Helene Recovery Including FEMA Information

Posted on October 21, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Hurricane Helene Recovery Roadway Closures as of October 18, 2024. Click on the map for a higher resolution image. Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) crews are working  to assess damage, inspect all state-owned bridges, and repair connectivity in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which hit Tennessee on September 27, 2024.  The counties with the most…… Continue Reading

#11/10 Tennessee Turns Back #7 Tide, 24-17

#11/10 Tennessee Turns Back #7 Tide, 24-17

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

Game Recap: Football | October 19, 2024 | Eric Trainer KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Safety Will Brooks’ interception with one minute, 28 seconds remaining sealed the deal, as No. 11/10 Tennessee’s defense was stout throughout and its offense scored all of its points in the second half to earn a thrilling 24-17 victory over No. 7 Alabama in front of a…… Continue Reading

Postgame Notes: #11/10 Tennessee 24, #7/7 Alabama 17
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Postgame Notes: #11/10 Tennessee 24, #7/7 Alabama 17

Posted on October 20, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

TENNESSEE FOOTBALL POSTGAME NOTESOct. 19, 2024 | Knoxville, Tenn. | Neyland StadiumFINAL SCORE: No. 11/10 Tennessee 24, No. 7/7 Alabama 17General 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 in the respective statistical categories…… Continue Reading

LCSO: Deputies Arrest Canadian Woman Accused of Scamming People Out of $60K

LCSO: Deputies Arrest Canadian Woman Accused of Scamming People Out of $60K

Posted on October 18, 2024 by rtravers • 0 Comments

Loudon County, TN (WOKI) A Canadian woman is arrested Thursday in Loudon County, accused of bilking people out of at least $60,000 in a scamming operation. Officials with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office say Soki Hangi of Quebec was part of a scamming operation spanning Loudon and Monroe Counties wherein the suspects were calling older…… Continue Reading

TVA Evaluates Nolichucky Dam after Massive Flooding
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TVA Evaluates Nolichucky Dam after Massive Flooding

Posted on October 18, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The Tennessee Valley Authority is sharing its findings after its evaluation of the Nolichucky Dam. Crews were running inspections to see what needs to be fixed after massive flooding from Helene. Crews say they used high-tech equipment like underwater remote control cameras and drones around the dam and engineers will continue to evaluate the area…… Continue Reading

Trained Mules and Farmers from East Tennessee go to Asheville to Help with Flood Aftermath
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Trained Mules and Farmers from East Tennessee go to Asheville to Help with Flood Aftermath

Posted on October 18, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

Nearly three weeks after severe flooding devastated parts of Tennessee and North Carolina, people are still pouring into the impacted areas and offering help. Brian Minton owns a farm in Dandridge and has been to Asheville for several days over the last two weeks. He‘s shared what he’s seen on social media, and immediately received…… Continue Reading

Dylan Sampson Added To Maxwell Award Midseason Watch List
Courtesy / UT Athletics

Dylan Sampson Added To Maxwell Award Midseason Watch List

Posted on October 17, 2024 by Jim Kelly • 0 Comments

PHILADELPHIA – The Maxwell Football Club announced Thursday that Tennessee football running back Dylan Sampson has been added to the mid-season watch list for the 88th Maxwell Award, presented annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Established in 1937, the Maxwell Award is one of the most prestigious honors in college football. It is presented annually…… Continue Reading

Cradle of Country Music Park in Knoxville is Expected to be Completed in Late Fall
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Cradle of Country Music Park in Knoxville is Expected to be Completed in Late Fall

Posted on October 17, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The City of Knoxville says crews would be beginning the final phase of renovations for Cradle of Country Music Park this fall. The park is located at Gay Street and Summit Hill Drive near the Arts District. It’s a half-acre green space in the center of downtown that will soon be getting a large piece…… Continue Reading

New Driver Services Locations Serving Storm Victims

New Driver Services Locations Serving Storm Victims

Posted on October 17, 2024 by rcadle • 0 Comments

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (TDOSHS) is issuing free replacement identification licenses and driver licenses to citizens directly impacted by the East Tennessee floods at the Elizabethton Driver Services Center, Unicoi Police Department and the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency’s (TEMA) three Multi-Agency Resource Centers (MARCs).  Driver Services are available at the MARCs…… Continue Reading